Lead Clinical Nurse (Ambulatory Care)

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

Under general supervision, provides nursing care and treatment to clients and patients according to applicable policies, procedures, protocols, and individual needs. Assists the supervisor with day-to-day functions of the Ambulatory Care Unit. Located in the nursing department of Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care, the position evaluates patients' nursing needs, develops plans of care, schedules daily nursing assignments, adjusts assignments as needs change, and delegates duties to appropriate personnel. Works under the direction of the Supervisory Nurse Specialist. The position may require temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities, including Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center. As a lead nurse, guides three or more employees and provides direction to ancillary departments, other nurses, and health care providers. Coordinates team workload, training, work progress, records, reporting, employee leave and informal complaints, and communicates recommendations and issues to the supervisor. Provides clinical nursing care, assesses patients, plans and coordinates care with patients, families, physicians, and other professionals, and responds to emergencies using BLS-defined protocols. Monitors patient care and documentation, contributes to standards of care and quality improvement, coordinates patient and family support, and maintains professional knowledge through continuing education and required training.

Requirements

Degree or diploma from a professional nursing program approved by the legally designated state-accrediting agency when the applicant completed the program.
Active, current, unrestricted professional nurse license in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Two years of nursing experience in an ambulatory care setting and knowledge of leadership principles.
Current Healthcare CPR and AED certification.
Current immunization statement, including proof of a non-reactive tuberculosis skin test within the last year or a negative chest X-ray, and proof of hepatitis B immunity by positive titer within three months of hire.
Upon recommendation for hire, pass criminal background and National FBI fingerprint checks to determine employment suitability, including a 39-month driving record review.
May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years.
If required, meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a permit to operate program vehicles.
May be required, based on department needs, to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English.
Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions, and of customs of other ethnic groups relevant to health care.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements, including HCFA, Medicare, ALTCS, and AHCCCS.
Knowledge of regulatory documentation requirements and ability to document clinical data accurately and completely.
Knowledge of cardiac monitoring equipment and its use.
Knowledge of nursing practice for respiratory and circulatory emergencies.
Knowledge of hospital infection-control and quality-improvement policies and procedures.
Knowledge of pharmacology, medication therapeutic effects, and adverse reactions.
Knowledge of physical assessment, disease processes, interventions, and age-specific care.
Knowledge of emergency practices and procedures, including life-saving procedures.
Knowledge of human behavior to provide counseling, guidance, and health instruction to patients and families.
Knowledge of basic management techniques for guiding nursing personnel and developing flexible, individualized, comprehensive management plans.
Knowledge of statistical and research methods and their application to problem-solving.
Strong leadership skills, including motivating people toward organizational goals and objectives.
Knowledge of HIPAA-related rules and regulations.
Compassionate manner and good communication skills.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, work independently, and meet strict timelines.
Ability to provide CPR and First Aid training.
Essential computer skills.

Responsibilities

Guide three or more employees and provide direction to ancillary departments, nurses, and health care providers.
Communicate the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision, and values to the team and incorporate them into team plans and services.
Communicate assignments, projects, issues, milestones, and deadlines; assist with formulating nursing schedules.
Coach team members in problem-solving methods, work methods, practices, and procedures.
Distribute and balance workload and tasks according to workflow, skill level, and occupational specialization, adjusting priorities as needed.
Train or arrange training in teamwork, administrative methods, technical skills, and individual or team task requirements.
Monitor and report work status and progress, and review work for compliance with priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality requirements.
Prepare reports and maintain work accomplishment and administrative records; coordinate the preparation and communication of work-related information.
Represent the team in obtaining resources and needed information or supervisor decisions on major work issues.
Report team and individual accomplishments, problems, progress, and training needs to the supervisor.
Lead the team in assessing strengths and weaknesses and identifying improvements to work methods, processes, and procedures.
Approve emergency leave of up to eight hours for medical appointments and other leave delegated by management.
Resolve simple informal employee complaints and refer formal grievances, appeals, and other matters to the appropriate official.
Communicate team consensus and recommendations to the supervisor regarding team and individual awards, rewards, and recognition.
Raise performance-management issues with the supervisor and recommend or request related actions, including assignments, reassignments, promotions, tour-of-duty changes, peer reviews, and performance appraisals.
Monitor all aspects of patient care and document nursing interventions, therapeutic measures, patient reactions, and patient teaching and understanding.
Advise less experienced staff on patient care and work organization.
Assess patients requiring specialized care, interview patients and family members, review health records, and develop individual plans of care.
Consult and collaborate with physicians and other professionals to determine care needs and develop a multidisciplinary approach.
Observe and assess clinical conditions and collect and interpret data from patient histories and physical assessments.
Initiate specific nursing measures in emergencies, using BLS-defined protocols for respiratory and cardiac systems.
Participate in developing, updating, and evaluating standards of care and quality-improvement monitoring.
Coordinate resources to provide patients and families with social, age-specific, emotional, educational, cultural, spiritual, and physical support.
Maintain professional knowledge and proficiency in ambulatory-care nursing through continuing education, required certifications, staff meetings, workshops, and mandatory training.
Perform other duties as assigned.