Works collaboratively as an active member of the inter-professional team to provide therapeutic patient and family centered care. Utilizes the nursing process to access, plan, implement and evaluate care to urgent care patients. Assesses patients' medical condition, evaluates changes in vital signs and other measurements, as well as administering treatment within scope of practice. Utilizes evidence to drive clinical decisions and practice related to individual and population health. Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and fiscal accountability in planning and delivering care. Processes and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for the competent delivery of nursing care. The Urgent Care Nurse complies with standards of practice; participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives, manages supplies and equipment; collaborates with other healthcare team members in response to patient and family needs; and assumes responsibility for their professional development.
Assesses the patient’s physical and emotional needs and provides appropriate care and intervention. Establishes immediate plans for patients following collaboration with physician. Performs ongoing assessment and communicates assessment and plan of care through written documentation and verbal reports. Documents nursing interventions and implements physician’s orders in a timely manner. Recognizes need for and monitors potentially unstable patients. Correctly administers and documents medication regime.
Performs satisfactorily in mock codes and other emergency preparedness drills or events. Demonstrates knowledge of dysrhythmias and conduction abnormalities with recognition of their potential risk as evidenced by appropriate documentation and timely notification of the MD. Obtains noninvasive BP, HR, and EKG prior to procedures. Obtains vital signs at the appropriate intervals intra- and post-procedure. Reports abnormalities to MD in a timely manner.
Performs telephone and in-person triage and manages symptoms appropriately.
Recognizes, reports, and documents significant changes in the patient’s condition in a timely, accurate manner. Prioritizes patient problems appropriately as evidenced by immediate attention to those with actual or potential urgency.
Initiates and monitors intravenous (IV) infusions. Monitors IV sites for absence of bleeding, swelling, redness, leaking, or disruption.
Applies 12 lead ECG monitoring electrodes correctly. Troubleshoots ECG monitoring problems. Monitors heart rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction for abnormalities.
Uses proper technique for patient transfer and positioning, including the use of assist devices, to maintain patient safety and comfort.
Recognizes, reports, and documents significant changes in the patient’s condition in a timely, accurate manner. Prioritizes patient problems appropriately as evidenced by immediate attention to those with actual or potential urgency.
Reviews and acts on test results (lab, x-ray, etc.)
Assists with medication management.
Evaluates effectiveness and manages care given by self and others.
Reports change in patient condition and/or inappropriate patient response to physician.
Organizes patient care and demonstrates ability to set priorities by addressing acute needs first and implementing physicians’ orders within appropriate time frame.
Serves as clinical resource for other non-licensed staff.
Demonstrates knowledge of patient's discharge needs, instructions, and provides patient education when needed.
Demonstrates knowledge of documentation requirements for all procedures, medications, interventions, and reports to physicians patient responses.
Completes accurate and timely documentation in EHR.
Commits to continued professional growth and development. Maintains current skills checklist and assist with performing skills checklist on other employees. Complies with network drills, CPR requirements, and any other network or health system requirements. Serves as preceptor to nursing students, new nursing staff members or staff members needing to cross train to learn basic nursing duties.
Prepares and administers medications safely and accurately. Secures medications to prevent unauthorized access. Demonstrates understanding of medications commonly given in Urgent Care, including reason for use, contraindications, side effects and reversal agents (if applicable). Researches medication actions, administration techniques and compatibilities as needed to ensure safe practice. Reports any observed patient response to medications. Appropriately dates and times medications opened to ensure accurate disposal of outdated medications. Assures MD orders are obtained prior to initiation of patient treatments unless authorized by written protocols.
Identifies and implements infection control and safety practices. Accounts for supplies utilized. Maintains records for monitoring the refrigerator temperature, crash cart and cleaning of appropriate equipment. Contributes to patient safety by utilizing principles of asepsis in all patient contact through practicing Universal Precautions. Utilizes PPE (personal protective equipment) per Infection Control guidelines. Cleans, restocks, and sets up patient’s rooms with necessary supplies and equipment after patient discharge. Utilizes the light system to signify room readiness where applicable. Replaces sharps containers, suction canisters, and disposable gloves dispensers as needed.
Collects phlebotomy and other diagnostic samples as needed.
Assist with the coordination of care across the continuum (e.g. inpatient, outpatient, home, skilled nursing facility, schools, etc.)
Reports to work on a regular and timely basis according to policy. Provides proper notice for anticipated absences.
Maintains a neat, professional appearance.
Assures that personal phone calls are not excessive and are handled appropriately.
Keeps informed regarding current issues. Checks organizational e-mail.
