RN - Clinic

A Registered Nurse (RN) – Clinic is responsible for providing direct patient care in an outpatient clinic setting. This role involves assessing, educating, and coordinating the care of patients in collaboration with healthcare providers. Clinic RNs play a key role in managing chronic conditions, performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments and medications, and ensuring a positive patient experience in a non-acute, often preventive care environment. This position requires strong communication, clinical skills, and a focus on patient education and support.

1. Patient Assessment and Care:

   • Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments, including reviewing medical history, vital signs, and relevant symptoms.
   • Collect patient data, including current medications, allergies, and health concerns, to help guide diagnosis and treatment plans.
   • Assist providers with physical exams and assist with diagnostic procedures or minor treatments as needed.
   • Administer medications, vaccines, and injections per physician orders and within scope of practice.

2. Patient Education and Counseling:

   • Educate patients about their medical conditions, prescribed medications, lifestyle changes, and preventive care strategies (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation).
   • Provide instructions for home care, such as wound care, medication management, and follow-up care after procedures.
   • Offer emotional support and counseling to patients, especially for those with chronic conditions, helping them manage their health outside of the clinic setting.

3. Treatment Administration and Procedures:

   • Administer prescribed treatments, including IV infusions, blood draws, and wound care, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
   • Assist with routine diagnostic tests, such as EKGs, laboratory specimen collection, and basic imaging procedures.
   • Prepare and manage medical equipment and instruments, ensuring they are sanitized and ready for use.

4. Coordination of Care:

   • Collaborate with the healthcare team (physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants) to create and implement individualized care plans.
   • Schedule follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialty consultations as needed.
   • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure coordinated care and seamless transitions between appointments or procedures.
   • Monitor patient progress and provide ongoing support to ensure treatment plans are being followed.

5. Health Promotion and Preventive Care:

   • Advocate for patient wellness by promoting preventive services such as annual check-ups, cancer screenings, immunizations, and wellness exams.
   • Identify risk factors for common conditions and provide educational materials and resources to encourage healthy lifestyle changes.
   • Assist in managing chronic disease care (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma) by monitoring patient symptoms and supporting self-management strategies.

6. Documentation and Record Keeping:

   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in the electronic medical record (EMR) system, documenting patient history, assessments, treatments, and outcomes.
   • Ensure all patient interactions, diagnoses, and treatments are appropriately documented in accordance with clinic protocols and legal standards.
   • Complete necessary paperwork, such as consent forms, insurance verifications, and referrals, in a timely manner.

7. Infection Control and Safety:

   • Adhere to infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
   • Ensure that all safety protocols are followed, including proper disposal of medical waste and monitoring for potential patient safety hazards.

8. Administrative and Support Functions:

   • Assist in the triage of patient calls, answering medical inquiries, and advising on home care instructions or follow-up procedures.
   • Support clinic operations by managing patient flow, maintaining supplies, and handling administrative tasks as required.
   • Maintain inventory of medical supplies and medications, ordering and restocking as needed to ensure clinic operations run smoothly.

9. Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

   • Participate in clinic quality improvement initiatives, ensuring that care processes are continuously evaluated and improved.
   • Stay current with the latest medical guidelines, nursing practices, and clinic protocols through ongoing professional development, training, and certification.
   • Engage in patient satisfaction initiatives, ensuring high levels of patient care and service.