Registered Nurse

Gastroenterology Clinic At Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

Gastroenterology (GI) Clinic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is staffed with experts in the field and provide some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment practices in the Tidewater area. The Clinic's services include diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for management and treatment of acute and chronic Gastroenterological disorders and liver disease for both outpatients and inpatients.

Gastroenterology Services include EGD, Colonoscopies, liver biopsies, Paracentesis, Fibroscan (non-invasive liver fibrosis assessment), Esophageal and Anorectal Manometry capabilities and advanced procedures to include EUS and ERCPs.

Responsibilities

• Provide telephone advice to patients and families based on accepted guidelines and physician protocols for pre and post-operative issues.
• Provide remedial instruction one (I) to one (1) or in small group situations for corpsmen that may require help with their basic competencies such as intravenous (IV) administration, medication math and administration, and injections.
• Assist the physician and nurse case manager in performing medical procedures in the GI Clinic, as needed.
• Monitor patients undergoing treatment in the clinic for adverse reactions and complications related to procedures and surgery, and alert physician.
• Maintain competence in the administration of moderate IV conscious sedation via the NMCP moderate intravenous sedation class. The certification includes a four (4) hour lecture and the completion of three (3) moderate IV conscious sedation procedures while under the observation of another certified registered nurse and under the direct clinical supervision of an advanced practice provider with periodic competency review. The HCW can perform their practicum within the GI Clinic setting. Sedation training will be provided during normal working hours.
• Respond on behalf of physicians, as necessary, to requests for referrals and for continuing care from the Health Benefits Office and discharge planners once the patient has been discharged from the inpatient setting.
• Use MHS GENESIS to schedule appointments, enter orders, check drug information and check lab and radiological results.
• Perform a full range of RN duties in accordance with assignment under the task order, including triage; patient assessment and monitoring; use of patient monitoring and treatment equipment; appropriate nursing care, procedures, and treatments; execution of physicians' orders within the guidelines of standard nursing practice; documentation of patient care and observations; and patient education and emotional support.
• Formulate and carry out a goal directed plan of care which based on determined nursing diagnosis and patient outcomes, and which is prioritized according to patient needs and available resources including time, personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• Evaluate effectiveness of self-care given by all health team members, and contribution of systems, environment, and instrumentation in progressing patient toward outcomes.
• Provide a safe and clean environment for each patient.
• Assist in planning, provide clinical guidance and provide instruction to LPNs/LVNs, nursing assistants and ancillary personnel.
• Demonstrate competency in medication and intravenous (IV) administration to include blood products and Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SQ) administration and demonstrate competency in phlebotomy as specific to the position.
• Safely administer prescribed medications to include intravenous drips and intravenous push drugs.
• Demonstrate effective and professional communication methods, and skills, using lines of authority appropriately.
• Formulate and use effective working relationships with all health care team members, patients, and significant others. Refer unsolved complaints or infractions to the Division Head with recommendations for appropriate action.
• Provide individual, group, and family/significant other counseling and health teaching in relation to the patient's condition and his/her ability for self-care. Provide for accessibility to various literature resources dealing with subjects related to specific patient health problems. Provide physical and psychological support to patients and significant others, explain procedures and treatments, and promote cooperation among staff, patients, and significant others.

Qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Education: Graduate from a college or university accredited by National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Experience: Possess a minimum experience of one (1) year within the last two (2) years as an RN working in a gastroenterology/endoscopy or medical/surgical practice.
• Licensure: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse as required in the TO.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).