Attachment B - Statement of Duties FLU Clinic.pdf

03/2016

Indian Health Service

Statement of duties

Position title:

Duty location:

Provide specific statement of duties for position to be filled:

Triage Nurse

I. INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Gallup Indian Medical Center, Gallup Service Unit, and Navajo Area in Gallup, New Mexico. Gallup Indian Medical Center is a combination of a comprehensive inpatient facility, outpatient clinics, and 24 hour Emergency Department. Gallup Indian Medical Center receives over 250,000 outpatient visits per year through the Ambulatory Care Department. The following medical specialties exist: General Surgery, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Urology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Neurology, Cardiology, Podiatry, Dental, ENT, and Ophthalmology. The Emergency Department consists of a 12 bed Emergency Room, and Central Triage. The Emergency Department provides approximately 30,000 outpatient visits annually.

This position is located in the FLU Clinic which is operated under the Nursing Resources Division of the Gallup Indian Medical Center. The FLU Clinic is open seasonally to provide Flu vaccines to the patient population.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. DIRECT PATIENT CARE

The incumbent is responsible for managing walk-in patients coming into Gallup Indian Medical Center. Through the utilization of proper protocols, the triage nurse will direct the patient to the proper clinic to receive the appropriate care needed. The Triage Nurse will arrange appointments when needed and serve as a resource person to patients in matters pertaining to healthcare.

Provide comprehensive nursing care to ambulatory patients in the following clinics: Family Medicine, Orthopedic, Obstetrical, Pediatric, General Surgery and Walk-in Primary Care Clinic where conditions and treatment are generally of a non-critical nature.

Assesses patients conditions by reviewing all systems, the patient health record/and/or history and determines from the assessment the required lab and screening data for the provider.

Observes and records temperatures, pulse, blood pressure,respiration data and effects of medication to insure quality care.

Prepares patients for test, exams and treatments.

Administers prescribed oral medications, hypodermic injections and intravenous medications.

Triages and provides emergency treatment, according to the status of the patient and level of care needed.

Sets up and operates specialized equipment such as cardiac monitors, defibrillator's, ECG machines, resuscitators and suction machines.

Teaches patients and families in health care and assists physicians in the provision of preventative medicine.

Manages stable phase of chronic illness, such as Diabetes, hypertension and Tuberculosis with teaching in diet and importance of taking medications and making arrangements for follow up.

Coordinates health care needs through making referrals to other specialty clinic and community resources.

Prepares and reviews records of care given and makes sure all care provided is documetned in the patient record.

Participates in the orientation of new personnel

Directs the working of the nursing assistants and trainee nurses

Observes for allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to medications administered and takes appropriate action should either occur.

Maintains professional nursing knowledge and skills by attending appropriate and pertinent lnservices. Maintains current professional license. Maintains current certification in BCLS.

FACTOR 1 -KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of established professional nursing principles, practices, and procedures required to provide nursing care to ambulatory patients with a wide variety of conditions.

Knowledge of pharmaceuticals, their desired effects, side effects and complications.

Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and to react swiftly in emergency situations.

Knowledge and use of standard precautions is required.

Skill in operating cardiac monitors, defibrillator's, EKG's and fluid monitoring systems.

Ability to provide individual and family counseling, guidance and health instructions on disease prevention and to maintain good health.

Ability to communicate with and interact with persons (staff, health care professionals, individuals in the community) with different functions, levels of knowledge, and care requirements to provide optimal health care.

Knowledge of patient care standards, nursing performance improvement, safety and infection control standards.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Works under the supervision of the Inpatient Pediatrics and Acting SCN, or Tour Supervisor in their absence. Incumbent receives medical direction from the Medical Staff as well as practitioners from Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, OB/GYN, and Psychiatry. The incumbent works independently with minimal supervision. Nursing procedures are carried out as ordered, independently within the framework of established policies and procedures specific to patient needs. Work is reviewed by the Supervisory Clinical Nurse for adherence to nursing care and professional standards and by the Physician for compliance with medical orders. Unusual problems are reported to the physician, Supervisory Clinical Nurse or the Tour Supervisory Clinical Nurse as appropriate

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES

The incumbent will work within the guidelines of the Nurse Practice Act for their state of licensure. Guidelines include nursing policies for the Ambulatory Treatment Room, Emergency Department Nursing, and Division of Nursing, Gallup Service Unit, physician orders, and oral guidelines from the Supervisory Clinical Nurse or physician. Judgement is required to interpret guidelines and determine the appropriate action from subjective and objective assessment.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY

Provides complete assessment of patients across the life span with a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Triages as to the nature of problems and begins care and/or refers to physician. Administers medications, operates special equipment, and responds appropriately in emergency situations. Consults with physicians as appropriate. Implements plan of care as outlined. Provides continuing support to meet the emotional needs of patients and families and gives appropriate clinically indicated measures. The nurse must deal with critical conditions.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT

Assesses and provides nursing care in accordance with the department program priorities. Work contributes to the health of individuals and directly on the area served. Care is provided in routine and emergent situations on a scheduled and unscheduled basis.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS

Personal contacts are with patients, their families and other staff in the Ambulatory Care and the hospital. Contacts are also with physicians from all clinical services as well as other allied health staff involved in the patients care.

Contacts are also with ancillary and support services throughout the facility.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The purpose for contacts with patients and their families are to exchange information required to provide care, to counsel, teach, and encourage. Contacts require great skill, tact, and sensitivity. Contacts with hospital and community health care providers are to exchange and obtain patient information, and provide continuity of care, as well as plan for care. Contacts with the community services are to teach, support, and guide awareness.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires walking, standing, bending, lifting, and sitting. Work may involve moving and lifting patients to wheelchairs, stretcher, chairs, and exam tables.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in hospital where exposure to contagious or infectious disease is common. Involves a moderate amount of risks or discomforts requiring special safety precautions including working with exposure to contagious disease, radiation, infection, chemotherapeutic agents, mental and emotional stress.