Staff Nurse

Department: Cardiology MV
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 0.800000
Base Wage $43.64 to $79.57
Location: SRC Mount Vernon Cardiology

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The Staff RN - Cardiac Device/CHF is clinically competent to coordinate and deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Uses critical thinking and appropriate provider consultation to work within scope of practice to the highest level of licensure and training. Engages in interdisciplinary collaboration which includes the use of available community resources. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Essential Functions
Assists other providers as needed for the best patient flow. Coordinates and assists patients in scheduling acute, specialty, or routine care appointments, including referrals. Demonstrates proficiency in application of clinical knowledge as it applies to the specific clinic setting. Performs in-office cardiac device interrogations, including new implant wound checks, to ensure device function is within recommended parameters as prescribed. Reprograms cardiac devices as needed in accordance with manufacturer/physician approved parameters. Enters cardiac device evaluation into EHR for the clinical record within an accurate and timely manner, including upload of all relevant data. Review and follow-up of cardiac device and CHF monitoring through remote access transmissions, including upload of all relevant data. Maintain cardiac device database, schedules and charge capture of all routine and urgent device checks. Enroll, monitor and provide education for patients registered in the CHF program. Contacts pharmacy for medication refills for patients as needed. Educates patients regarding test results and medical conditions, explaining medical terms and procedures in manner understandable to patients. Maintains a working knowledge of medication frequently utilized, researching any medication not familiar with. Develops a familiarization with brand/generic medication names. Maintains familiarity with all forms and paperwork utilized throughout the clinic. Demonstrates professional nursing leadership and contributes to a smooth work flow by assisting team members as needed. Responds to codes within the assigned facility if assigned to code team. Collaborates with department Practice Manager and Clinical Supervisor to ensure new team members receive appropriate orientation and reports on trainee performance. Serves as clinical resource to department staff; contributes to the professional growth and development of other clinical staff. PATIENT SATISFACTION- Assists patients, family members, and others with concern and empathy; respects their confidentially and privacy. Considers cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial factors that affect patient perception of and adherence to health care plans when interacting with patients, families, support systems, and the community. Ensures accurate and timely communication is facilitated. Identifies him/herself in a pleasant and positive manner. Takes responsibility for helping the caller and/or visitor. TEAMWORK- Assists in the orientation /training of new Team Members. Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members. Assists other Team Members in the performance of their assignments. Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked. Considers the impact of his/her actions on Team Members throughout SRH. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and volunteers to assist whenever possible. Takes direction and initiates actions to ensure seamless patient care. Demonstrates flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within SRH. PROBLEM SOLVING- Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Utilizes critical thinking and assessment skills to follow provider approved protocols. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participates in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet patient expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is the work of someone else. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT- Participates in the advancement of professional nursing practice through continuing education and self-development; develops and maintains professional credibility. Attends required annual in-service programs. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement of annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 95% of scheduled staff meetings and is responsible to read and understand all meeting minutes and materials covered at meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SRH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures; has the ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SRH's infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation and the Exposure Control Plan which reflects OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standards to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SRH is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SRH and departmental attendance policies and support of SRH-Wide Service Standards and SRH/Department Safe Practice Standards. Performs technical skills within the scope of licensure in a safe and efficient manner. Maintains patient flow by placing patients in rooms, taking brief histories and vital signs. Reviews current problem with patient. Obtains pertinent past medical history, allergies and medications. Assists with and performs procedures as requested by provider. Maintains workstation in an orderly manner. Directs patient calls according to the physician's schedule and the patient's needs. Adequately stocks exam rooms with supplies, ordering additional supplies as needed. Correctly completes charge slips with ICD-9 codes and notation of service given by provider. As appropriate, makes physician aware of lab results, x-ray reports and reports of other tests ordered. Requests patient charts as needed. Works collaboratively with Training Team to develop competency checklists. Provides feedback to managers regarding trainee performance. Develops scripts for handling difficult insurance or patient account issues. Utilizes effective triage and assessment skills on a daily basis. Performs telephone triage and assessments as needed. Performs IV Therapy and Observation duties as required. Administration of medications including IV and sublingual. Administers medications as required. Performs invasive procedures per physician order and within scope of practice. Makes recommendations for care utilizing approved standing orders and protocols. Demonstrates independent critical thinking with the ability to multi-task to include urgent situations, giving work direction, and prioritizing work. Directly assists providers serving as a practice extender in the management of patients and as such quickly develops and maintains professional credibility. Comply with all Skagit Regional Health, department and location specific policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee.

Education
Graduate of an accredited RN program. BSN preferred.

Experience/Training
Minimum one (1) year previous nursing experience in a clinic or acute care setting required; experience specific to departmental specialty strongly desired. Experience with medication and case management preferred. Patient education experience required.

License/Certifications
Current WA State RN License required. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required. Ambulatory Care Nursing certification or appropriate specialty certification is encouraged.

Other Skills
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. Strong organizational skills and technical proficiency. Must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and use critical thinking skills to problem solve. Proficient in the use of Electronic Health Record systems, Microsoft Office suite and other clinical applications. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.