Registered Nurse- Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases

JOB SUMMARY

The Clinical Nurse II, under the supervision of the Nurse Manager, guided by the policies and procedures of the Ambulatory Services and the Ambulatory Services Quality Nursing Division, and in collaboration with the physician staff, has the clinical responsibility for developing and maintaining a high standard of patient care for patients evaluated and followed within the Allergy / Immunology and Infectious Diseases Faculty Practice clinics. He/She/They is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff, and for daily operations.

The Clinical Nurse II utilizes the nursing process for patient care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to provide safe, therapeutic clinical care. All components of nursing care will be individualized to meet the patient’s physiological and psychosocial developmental level and needs.

He/She/They consistently projects a professional and courteous demeanor. He/She/They will assist with management of patient care administered by the UCSF physicians and other members of the clinical and nursing team. He/She/They will consistently project a professional and courteous demeanor and shall comply with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Allergy and Immunology Clinic

Evaluates and treats patients with a variety of allergic conditions which including asthma, allergic rhinitis sinusitis, rashes, food allergy, drug hypersensitivity, bee sting allergy, immun deficiencies, frequent infections, inflammatory diseases, complete allergy skin testing and allergy immunotherapy.

The UCSF Infectious Diseases Clinic

Evaluates and treats patients with a wide range of infectious diseases, with a focus on complex or unusual conditions. We often care for patients with infections of skin or other soft tissue, urinary tract infections, herpes virus with infection, mycobacterial infections of the lungs and skin, coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, a type of fungal infection, fever of unknown cause, bone and joint infections, and OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy).

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Clinical ___35__ %

Assessment

• Identifies the needs and responses of patients to medical regimen and treatment through observation and documentation of signs/symptoms, emotional state, and cultural and socio-economic settings and backgrounds.

  • Responds or refers inquiries appropriately. Recognizes and reports specific physical and emotional conditions/needs/concerns of the patient to appropriate members of the health care team. Alerts a providers/Nursing Manager re: unusual observations of patients in order to facilitate immediate attention, e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath.

Planning

• Works cooperatively and participates with the health care team to discuss patient’s alternatives to health care services and to develop short and long range goals to meet the patient’s needs and treatment planning.

  • Plans as appropriate for the needs of patient using knowledge of physical and emotional processes as well as cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

  • Identifies appropriate internal and external resources (e.g., family, significant others, monetary, community organizations) in planning for patient care.

Implementation/Evaluation

• Provides individualized nursing care that responds to the growth and developmental needs of patients and demonstrates an understanding of the range of treatment required by the patient.

  • Demonstrates ability to provide appropriate care based on the needs of a specific individual, including that individual’s age.

  • Prepares and instructs patients as well as performs specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments, including nurse visits, wound care, vaccination and venipuncture.

  • Uses appliances and equipment correctly and maintains safe practice.

  • Evaluates and documents patients’ responses to nursing care, including pre/post procedures and treatments. Uses knowledge of cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in evaluating care for all ages of patients.

  • Administers and legibly documents the administration of medication while maintaining current knowledge of pharmacology and competency in modes of administration.

  • Responds appropriately in emergencies. Is knowledgeable about the contents of the code blue cart and/or the emergency kits and can initiate and assist in CPR. Understands the procedures for medical emergencies, code blue and other emergency/disaster situations.

  • Complies with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, administrative and clinical practice. Complies with activities mandated by TJC/Title 22/NCQA.

  • Completes annual competency testing as specified by Ambulatory Services Administration polices, guidelines, and Title 22.

Coordination/Continuity/Communication___35__ %

• Required to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center – Allergy & Immunology Clinic locations.

• Organizes activities based on the needs of patients while maintaining the effective flow of patients through the practice. Adjusts clinical support activities to reflect changes in priorities during practice sessions.

• Maintains open communication and facilitates continuity of care for patients/and or family with members of the health care team through phone contact, verbal interaction and/or written reports. Utilizes APEX information (i.e., labs, appointments) to contribute to patient care.

• Maintains accurate, current, properly signed records and documentation which include patient complaints, nursing observations, interventions and care plan, nursing actions/teaching performed and patient response to the action.

• Obtains, records, and conveys information, clearly and concisely.

• Demonstrates courtesy, common sense, and follow-through in all telephone communications, maintaining the Telephone Standards as established by UCSF Medical Center.

• Fosters/maintains positive public relations (patients, family, visitors and staff). Uses effective communication skills with patients and staff; demonstrates proper telephone techniques and etiquette; shows sensitivity to differences of culture; demonstrates a positive and supportive manner in which patients and staff perceive interactions as positive and supportive.

• Actively assists physicians and care coordinators in the screening process of incoming referrals. He/She/They also assists with patient scheduling (new and returns) and coordinate testing services with ancillary departments, requesting authorization for visits as well as working with the providers to obtain prior authorization of specialty medications.

• Effectively demonstrates ability to communicate to patients via phone, electronically, requirements for new patient appointments and assists in the screening of the incoming referrals to the departments

• Assists in scheduling new patient appointments

• Works with the ancillary support staff to rotate roles within the practice, utilizing skills as needed within the practice, i.e. answering the telephones, managing the front desk, assisting with patient check in, scheduling appointments, assisting with referral work queues

Advocacy/Education ___10__ %

• Participates in identifying the educational needs of patients.

• Provides patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions utilizing available resources and making referrals appropriately. Informs patients/families about services available at UCSF Medical Center and in the community. Utilizes and maintains updated educational resources.

• Provides and reinforces patient health teaching by utilizing language which patient and family can understand

• Verifies patient/family understanding through return demonstration, verbal, physical or written.

• Utilizes available educational resources. Participates in review and/or revision of educational materials.

Performance Improvement ___10__ %

• Participates in performance improvement (PI) activities to enhance and optimize clinical team flow and overall performance levels.

• Makes recommendations regarding clinical targeted (PI) topics or problems; and assists in data collection.

• Reports and follows up on issues that affect environment and safety.

• Maximizes resources by seeking assistance from appropriate support, effectively using supplies, making suggestions for improved approaches, assists in cost effective practices.

Self-Development/Professionalism ___10_ %

• Attends classes, conferences, workshops and staff meetings. Shares information from programs attended.

• Attends and participates in monthly staff meetings and clinical team meetings.

• Complies with work related policies, including license renewal, annual PPD, CPR certification, use of benefit time, and dress code including identification policy.

• Contributes to the orientation and learning experiences of other members of the health care team.

• Complies with departmental scheduling guidelines, i.e., starts work at times scheduled, completes work in a timely manner.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience with allergy/immunology procedures

• Prior experience with care coordination

• Prior experience in a medical office and outpatient environment

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

• Experience with electronic health record

• Working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office and Internet

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Two years RN experience in-patient

• Experience working with EPIC – APEX.

• BSN or MSN

• High level of interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills preferred

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• California Registered Nurse License

• BLS

• ACLS