Job Description

Primary Scheduled Hours: DAYS, 80 hours

Provides professional nursing assessment, telephone and in-person triage, care coordination, and clinical support for patients within the ambulatory clinic setting. Utilizes critical thinking, evidence-based nursing practice, provider-directed standing orders, Schmitt-Thompson telephone triage protocols, and clinic policies to assess patient needs, determine the appropriate level of care, provide patient education, coordinate treatment plans, and facilitate timely access to care. Collaborates closely with providers and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote safe, high-quality, patient-centered care.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments of patients presenting in person or by telephone to determine the urgency of medical concerns.
• Utilizes nursing judgment, provider standing orders, Schmitt-Thompson telephone triage protocols, clinic policies, and evidence-based practice to determine appropriate patient disposition.
• Provides telephone and electronic triage for acute and chronic medical concerns while practicing within the RN scope of practice.
• Identifies patients requiring emergent intervention and facilitates appropriate referral to Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Department, Express Care, same-day appointments, or routine follow-up as clinically indicated.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and promptly communicates significant findings to the appropriate provider.
• Coordinates timely access to care by scheduling appropriate office visits, follow-up appointments, nurse visits, and diagnostic services.
• Collaborates with providers, medical assistants, specialists, hospitals, pharmacies, and ancillary departments to coordinate patient care.
• Assists patients in navigating the healthcare system and obtaining appropriate follow-up care.
• Completes medication refill requests in accordance with clinic refill policy and provider-directed protocols.
• Administers medications and injections as ordered by providers, including Schedule III medications (such as testosterone) according to clinic policy.
• Performs anticoagulation management, including INR review, patient education, dosage adjustment according to provider-approved protocols, and documentation.
• Reviews laboratory and diagnostic results as assigned and manages critical results according to clinic policy and provider direction.
• Provides medication education and reinforces provider treatment plans.
• Provides patient education regarding medications, disease management, home care, warning signs, post-procedure expectations, and when to seek emergency care.
• Answers patient questions regarding postoperative care, wound care, medication concerns, symptoms, and treatment plans within RN scope of practice.
• Reinforces provider instructions and ensures patient understanding through teach-back techniques when appropriate.
• Documents all patient assessments, telephone encounters, nursing interventions, patient education, medication administration, provider communication, and care coordination activities accurately within the electronic medical record.
• Maintains complete and timely documentation in accordance with organizational policy, regulatory requirements, and nursing standards.
• Maintains current knowledge of clinic policies, nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based practice.
• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment while practicing within the RN scope of practice.
• Demonstrates flexibility in assisting with clinic operations and other nursing duties as assigned

Education Background and Experience Requirements

Minimum Education:

Nursing degree

Required Licensure / Certifications:

Washington State RN license and Idaho State RN license/or Compact State RN License

Required Experience:

Minimum 1 - 3 years of clinical nursing experience in ambulatory care, family practice, emergency. urgent care or telephone triage.

Experience working with electronic medical records systems.

Current BLS, or obtain within first 90 days.

Strong assessment, prioritization,, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Ability to independently prioritize multiple patient needs in a fast-paced ambulatory environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Telephone triage experience.

Knowledge of Schmitt-Thompson telephone triage protocols.

Experience with anticoagulation management.

Experience working in a rural health clinic or primary care setting.

Excellent customer service and patient communication skills.

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual District-required and/or job-required educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Wears identification while on duty.
• Attends staff meetings annually and/or reads and returns all meeting minutes (as per department / contract standards).
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Maintains employee/patient confidentiality.
• Represents the District in a positive and professional manner.
• Participates in department’s performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Demonstrates the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility as well as the departmental Scope of Service.
• Communication with patients, residents, guests, family, and staff is courteous, respectful, and helpful.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and accident-free environment.

Compensation/How We Care For You:

Successful candidates typically begin between the beginning and midpoint of the compensation range dependent on qualifications/experience and receive compensation in increments increases annually.

Comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Retirement with a 6% dollar for dollar employer match
• Life and Disability Insurance
• AFLAC
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bonus, if eligible upon Board approval
• Gym membership
• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Opportunities

Newport Hospital & Health Services (NHHS) is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. NHHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

NHHS employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

NHHS is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.