LPN or RN Triage/ Office Nurse

Statement of Purpose

Coordinates and administers nursing care for patients of all ages who present to the practice for acute, chronic or preventative services. Works with the patient's provider to establish goals and meet identified health care needs to improve the overall health of patients. Works cooperatively with other patient care team personnel in maintaining standards for professional nursing practice in the medical practice setting. Develops individual guidelines for patient specific education.

Provides triage both by phone for the patients who contact the practice and also for emergent patients who present to the office using approved algorithms of health assessment guidelines.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

Reports to Practice Manager.

Receives and greets patients in a professional and friendly manner. Participates in the establishment of the immediate needs and details of past medical history and prepares patient for exam. Responsible for checking vital signs appropriate for standard of care relating to specific illness. Checks allergies and medication list updating the chart as necessary to maintain correct information for the provider. Updates the electronic health record to maintain accurate records.

Reviews and assists with task assigned within the Electronic Medical Record.

Works in accordance with guidelines established by the State Board of Nursing for RNs when performing both telephone triage and assessing acute patients who present to the practice. Uses the prescribed EMR to document all services provided to patient.

Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patients including the use of emergency equipment when indicated.

Reviews and reconciles medication list with patient's current medication bottles. Alerts provider regarding compliance with medications. Sends refills per protocol/standing orders.

Reviews patient discharge summaries to identify patients needing proactive follow up after inpatient hospitalization.

Provides educational resources specific to patients health needs, utilizing written material, audio/visual materials, group information and/or web based education modules.

Participates in team conferences and development of nursing care plans.

Responsible for maintenance of emergency equipment and supplies as per office protocol.

Works in accordance with directives established by the provider by performing minor procedures and screening tests and administers injections as needed: including blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, ear irrigation, allergy shots, flu shots, urinalysis, strep screens, and other clinic specific testing. Draws blood for lab testing following phlebotomy procedure and lab protocol for collection.

Assists providers with special tests and procedures. Educates the patient with regards to any questions they may have pertaining to the special test/procedure and necessary follow up care.

Establishes criteria and content as well as coordinates patient education following provide restablished guidelines.

In conjunction with medical professional directive, develops and implements individual guidelines for patient specific education.

Administers medications and vaccines according to office procedure as well as specific protocols of the manufacturer.

Coordinates care with community and regional ancillary health services for extended needs of patients in cooperation with a care plan developed by the practice clinical team.

Maintains the standards of nursing care and implements the policies and procedures of the hospital and of the medical practice.

Calls patients with lab results or new orders as needed.

Obtains refills on prescriptions when indicated, according to office policy.

Responsible for daily preparation and upkeep of exam rooms.

Performs various lab studies under the direction of a provider.

Assists and completes various forms with and for the patient.

Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures the equipment is maintained in a clean and safe manner.

Prepares equipment to return to Central Sterile Processing & Distribution for sterilization, per established schedule.

Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff according to VOSHA guidelines.

Maintains inventory of medical supplies as directed by practice manager. Verifies expiration dates of supplies.

Proficient in computer skills.

Runs controls on lab equipment according to CLIA requirements as directed by Practice

Manager. Follows procedural protocols for CLIA & VOSHA.

Reviews and assists in maintenance of patient electronic medical records.

Documents all data collected and procedures performed in patient's electronic medical record.

Attends in-service training programs as directed.

Participates in establishment and maintenance of policies and procedures relating to clinical activities including quality assurance and compliance with OSHA regulations.

Speaks with patients or care providers who call the practice with medical concerns, assessing patients with physical complaints, and making appropriate recommendations based on that assessment, including recommendation the patient be seen in the office or in the emergency room. Follow-up on telephone contacts as needed.

Establishes and maintains communications and utilizes teaching opportunities with patients and other significant individuals including education regarding diet, medications, and testing needs, with methods suitable for individual learning abilities.

Involves primary caretakers in planning and providing care to child. Uses age appropriate & familiar terminology. Provides age-appropriate toys and activities. Encourages participation in planning of care and provides for emotional needs.

Communicates with Practice Manager on a regular basis, providing operational feedback concerning protocols and other office specific functioning.

Safeguards and preserves the confidentiality of medical records in accordance with policy.

Demonstrates an ability to work as a team member and to improve upon job performance, procedures and standards.

Adheres to written dress code and maintains a personal appearance that is neat, clean and professional.

Strives to be a productive member of the department team and of NCH. Puts time to good use; seeks out work to be done and is always willing to help contribute to the team effort.

Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes in procedure or workload.

Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively and express ideas clearly; follows written and verbal instructions carefully.

Understands and complies with NCH Standards of Behavior and models ethical behavior as expected by our patients, colleagues and the community.

Performs other duties as directed by the Practice Manager.

Working Conditions

Machinery and Equipment: Various types of clinical equipment and computer systems.

Physical Demands: Manual dexterity in use of equipment. Good or corrected vision and hearing. Heavy work - moving up to 50 lbs. at one time, occasionally, or seeks assistance from others: 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.

Exposure: May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases.

Job Requirements

Vermont licensed RN. 1-2 years clinical experience in the office setting preferred.

Understanding of medical and social aspects of chronic and acute disease affecting patients.

Computer Literacy: Patients charts are maintained electronically; documentation requires understanding of program or ability to learn and to comprehend.

Ability to work in a busy office and maintain and cooperative and professional attitude.

Ability to greet and interact with public in a tactful, compassionate manner.

BLS required

ACLS and PALS encouraged.