Description
The Nurse Clinician will work in a multidisciplinary environment requiring exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, clinical and administrative units. This position utilizes nursing skills to perform patient assessments via phone or in person and implement nursing interventions; thus, the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving patient care issues is essential. Additionally, responsible for initiating & organizing patient education for the population this unit serves.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain a safe and clean work environment ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Report deficiencies to supervisor immediately and assist in rectifying them as requested. Assume responsibility for and supervision of medical equipment.
* Provide pre-attending care for patients by conducting comprehensive assessments of their chief complaint and needs utilizing the nursing process. Based on findings, offer solutions and opinions to physicians and other healthcare providers. Document all nursing assessments in the patient's medical record, ensuring clarity, completeness and legibility. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and understand protocols for release of patient/medical information.
* Perform routine nursing duties and demonstrate clinical competency, independently performing tasks such as phlebotomy, medication administration, measurement of vital signs, preparation of lab specimens etc. Demonstrate expertise in complex procedures including conscious sedation, chemotherapy administration, inseminations, filling and adjustment of implantable pain pumps and excision and drainage of wounds.
* Interpret and define abnormalities detected in tests and procedures, taking remedial action as necessary. Document all interventions in the patient medical record and ensure that documentation is clear, complete and legible.
* Communicate and collaborate with other departments to coordinate patient care as needed. Communicate with outside agencies or facilities as required.
* Triage and prioritize incoming telephone calls using clinical assessment skills and service standards. Document all assessments in the patient medical record and ensure that documentation is clear, complete and legible.
* Manage urgent/emergent medical situations according to the organization's protocols for medical emergencies and cardiac arrests. Obtain and operate emergency equipment according to relevant standards.
* Serve as a resource for staff and physicians for daily problem solving and decision-making. Maintain a consistent alertness to patient care needs and take a proactive approach to address/resolve issues. Delegate tasks according to Illinois law and organizational protocols to Licensed Practical Nurses and Medical Assistants.
* Comply with existing policies and procedures related to patient care and make recommendations to management regarding new policies and procedures that may improve the patient experience. Ensure timely implementation of new policies and procedures.
* Initiate and coordinate patient education ensuring patients understand educational materials and can exhibit return demonstration when pertinent. Provide teaching to staff on both formal and informal basis. Participate in community outreach education, patient support groups or specialty-related educational programs offered to hospital and community nurses, as requested.
Qualifications
Required:
* Associate's degree in Nursing from an accredited school
* State Licensed Registered Nurse for State of employment
* Certification in Basic CPR
* 2 years of relevant clinical experience in an acute or ambulatory care environment
Preferred:
* Bachelor's degree in nursing (may be required for certain positions)
Equal Opportunity
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
We will perform a background check if you are offered a job. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to improve your physical, emotional and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our website for more information.