Clinic Lead Nurse I - Pain/ PM&R - MUSCP

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Ambulatory Clinic RN Lead I reports to the Ambulatory Service Manager. Under general supervision, the Clinic Lead Nurse provides individualized, goal-directed patient care to patients and families at the competent level, using the principles and practices of the nursing process. The role delivers safe and effective care and works with other health care team members to achieve desired outcomes, in coordination with nursing leadership. The position supports optimal evidence-based patient care and department goals through efficient daily operations and compliance with established rules, regulations, and guidelines. It also provides leadership presence and staff support. The role combines clinical care coordination, patient education, triage and follow-up, quality and professional development activities, and team leadership. The Clinic Lead Nurse may participate in direct patient care to maintain clinical skills and serves as a resource to the manager, lead or charge nurse, and RN III.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing.
At least one year of work experience as a registered nurse.
Current South Carolina registered nurse license or compact-state license.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification: American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers or an AHA-recognized equivalent, or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider.
If required by the clinic, ACLS certification.
For RN staff hired on or after July 1, 2013, an associate or diploma degree in nursing requires enrollment in an accredited BSN program within two years and successful completion of a BSN degree within four years of the RN hire or reclassification date, as detailed in policy A141.
Ability to perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting; bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, use both hands and legs, perform repetitive motions, and maintain finger dexterity.
Ability to be physically qualified for respirator use initially and as required; maintain corrected 20/40 vision and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance; work indoors and in a latex-safe environment.
Frequently lift, lower, push, pull, or carry objects weighing approximately 50 pounds unassisted; exert up to 50 pounds of force and lift 25 pounds from 36 inches to overhead.
Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined or cramped spaces.

Nice To Haves

Previous ambulatory experience preferred.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Use the nursing process to coordinate age-appropriate patient care based on individual needs; assess vital signs and other required measurements, document screening findings, and evaluate and record responses to care, pain management, medications, tests, procedures, and treatments.
Coordinate care with interdisciplinary team members and administer medications in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and documentation requirements.
Follow clinic-specific medication policies, including requirements for high-alert medications, pain reassessment, standing orders, medication labeling, medications administered in clinic, and food/drug interaction education.
Follow unit and organizational policies and procedures for clinical procedures; help develop and implement action plans to address identified deficiencies; share patient-care and system-improvement knowledge with colleagues and other providers.
Educate patients and families about visit-specific concerns, medications, and medication changes; document teaching in the EMR and participate in updating clinic education materials.
Coordinate continuity of care and patient communications, including phone triage, calls, care plans, prescription refills, patient requests, in-basket messages, tests, and procedures; document using EMR phone templates and refer matters to providers when appropriate.
Promote quality patient care, safety, and professional development; identify learning needs, pursue appropriate training, contribute recommendations for patient care and clinic operations, and support safety reporting, investigations, and resolution.
Collaborate with the manager on education and team action plans for Accountable Care Organization goals; use analytical reasoning, problem-solving, evidence-based information, and clinical judgment to coordinate care.
Assist with personal objectives and evaluate practice through discussion and self-evaluation; accept constructive feedback; coordinate competency-based orientation for licensed and unlicensed staff and select and roll out annual clinical competencies.
Support compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, certification, and accreditation standards, including OSHA, JCAHO, and DHEC; use computer-based information for decision support, quality improvement, and professional development.
Understand clinic staff roles, scope, and responsibilities; use appropriate communication channels, support change and unit development, demonstrate cost awareness, and adhere to clinic procedures, MUSC policies, and scope of practice.
Verify accurate EMR documentation to support revenue collection and serve as a resource to various populations regarding healthcare delivery and policy formation.
Provide leadership by promoting shared governance, a positive and motivating work environment, staff retention, teamwork, high standards of patient care, and effective conflict resolution.
Delegate with defined expectations, coach staff in addressing ongoing problems and unit issues, assist with employee rounding and evaluations, and provide coverage for the manager when absent.
Collaborate on department staffing schedules and monitor staffing levels, adjusting as needed for unit acuity and census; assist staff in adhering to scheduled hours, days, and time-and-attendance policies.
Participate in direct patient care as needed to maintain clinical skills.