Registered Nurse (RN)

Reports to Urgent Care Job Summary: This position is responsible for providing nursing patient care in the outpatient or urgent care setting, in collaboration with Medical Providers and other members of the care team. Monitors departmental flow to ensure quality care is provided the highest quality nursing care to Oyate Health Center (OHC) patients. Essential Functions and Professional Behavior Expectations: Obtains the initial screening history on patients being seen in the clinic; performs visual assessment, observation, obtains required vital signs, review of health care reminders and immunization status and appropriate physical assessment. Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of the patient; explains procedures and treatments to the patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension. Aids medical provider during treatment and examination of patient when requested. Screen patients and assess health problems within the following categories: respiratory, cardiology, abdominal, urology, musculoskeletal, neurology and dermatology; assesses for chronic disease such as chronic back and shoulder pain, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and hypertension, and refers appropriately to the physician for further evaluation and care. Observes patient's clinical conditions, recognizing serious situations informing the charge nurse, supervisor and medical provider while taking appropriate preplanned measures. Operates and monitors medical equipment such as a suction apparatus, nasogastric suction, defibrillator machine, automatic external defibrillator, scales, vital sign machines, IV Pumps, EKG machine, and all other applicable medical equipment. Administers prescribed medications, including oral, topical, parenteral, intravenous, rectal, and through other administration routes, and assesses the patient's response to medication; Assesses a patient prior to medication administration or oxygen administration, and documents this assessment appropriately; Uses a systematic process to determine the efficacy of medication administration, and determines the appropriate action to take when medication administered are ineffective or have limited effectiveness. Administers oxygen therapy as appropriate, documenting the patient's response to oxygen therapy and the process of administration and takes appropriate action when oxygen therapy is ineffective or has limited effectiveness. Maintains accountability for delivery of quality nursing care; Communicates with medical providers, supervisor, and charge nurse to obtain diagnostic and therapeutic assistance and coordination of needs. Collects specimens and orders appropriate laboratory and x-ray studies as authorized by the medical provider. Records accurate, timely and appropriate information in the patient's electronic health record; documents observations, nursing interventions, therapeutic measures administered and status of coordinated activities between nursing and other professional disciplines. Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by medical provider and/or OHC policy, including patient and family instruction; notifies patient of lab results and provides advice to patients per provider instruction. Assists with referrals and/or follow-up care based on results of laboratory and x-ray reports, and the mental health and well-being of the patient as recommended by the medical provider. Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, code procedures, and established protocol. Participates in quality improvement activities such as GPRA, PI, IPC, nursing audits/peer review, infection control, case management and nursing care conferences. Informs the nursing supervisor of personnel issues, clinical requirements, needs for additional equipment and supplies, reportable situations and environmental improvements. Must comply with federal laws and regulations as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Performs related duties. Professional Behavior: Effectively plan, organize workload and schedule time to meet the demands of the position. Work in a cooperative and professional manner with OHC and GPTLHB staff. Treat Great Plains tribes and collaborators with dignity and respect. Utilize effective verbal and written communication skills. Advance personal educational development by attending training sessions and seminars as appropriate. Exemplify excellent customer service with tribal stakeholders, health board colleagues, program partners, service recipients, visitors and guests. Foster a work environment of wellness, courtesy, friendliness, helpfulness and respect. Relate well and work collaboratively with coworkers and all levels of staff in a professional manner. Consistently demonstrate respect for and acceptance of differing capabilities, cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation and/or personalities. Maintain and ensure organizational privacy and confidentiality. Handle crisis and tolerate stress professionally. Be self-directed and take proactive initiative to assist others. Resolve issues with other departments and coworkers without direct supervision if needed. Exercise flexibility to alter plans/routines when situations require and continue to perform without projecting stress/frustration that would adversely affect the work environment. Promote an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle. Embrace modes of appearance and attire that reflect a professional presence. Adhere to GPTLHB policies and procedures. Knowledge Required: Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations affecting areas of responsibility. Knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, procedures and techniques, including community and public health. Knowledge and ability necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Knowledge of pharmaceuticals, their desired effects, side effects, and complication of their use, and steps to counteract adverse effects in order to properly administer and monitor patients using medications. Knowledge of medical history taking techniques, physical assessment and normal body function; disease process, signs, symptoms and treatment of acute minor illnesses; patho-physiology of inflammation, infection, allergic reactions, and such diseases as respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, urological, and musculoskeletal conditions, normal and abnormal vital signs, and normal and abnormal neurological signs and symptoms; signs and symptoms indicative of emergent or life threatening nature. Knowledge of normal ranges of laboratory values. Knowledge of diversity and cultural difference of Native American populations, and the ability to appreciate cultural differences and their effect on healthcare delivery. Knowledge of infectious disease, prevention and exposure; including blood borne pathogens and respiratory protection protocols. Ability to identify, categorize, and perform clinical services to address each patient's age-specific needs, i.e., infant, adolescent, or geriatric patients. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using tact and sensitivity. Skill in dealing with the public. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in the provision of customer service. Skill in use of job related equipment and tools. Skill in use of personal computer and a variety of job related software applications. Supervisory Controls: The supervisor assigns work in terms of very general instructions. Work is reviewed through observation of interactions with OHC patients, and patient outcomes. Guidelines: Guidelines include federal and state law, standards of practice, and GPTLHB, OHC, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific and require some judgment. Complexity/Scope of Work: This position consists of clinical duties to different patient populations. The purpose of this position is to deliver the highest quality nursing services to OHC patients. Successful performance helps ensure the overall effective and efficient Nursing Services and OHC resulting in improved patient outcomes. Contacts: Contacts are typically with clinical providers, patients, employees, and the general public. Contacts are typically to exchanging and provide factual medical information, provide patient care, and provide assistance. Work Environment/Physical Demands: The work is typically performed standing or sitting. The work is typically performed in a clinic setting which requires normal safety precaution for infection control and environmental safety measures. The work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move light objects, and occasional lift heavier objects. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. There is additional risk as this position will work with violent and emotionally disturbed patients, or substance abusers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Supervisory and Management Responsibility: This is a non-supervisory position that may provide functional guidance and direction to other employees. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and experience sufficient to understand the major duties of this position. An Associate's Degree or Diploma of Nursing and two (2) years of experience may be considered. Experience in an urgent care or emergency room setting is preferred. Licensed as a Registered Nurse by any US State or Territory. Current BLS certification. Must successfully pass a criminal and background check and a pre-employment drug screen. The GPTLHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates over qualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other qualifications are equal. Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks and pre-employment drug screen.

Created: 2024-11-04