SUMMARY

Provide Clinical Registered Nurses services for Government beneficiaries at the United States Air Force Academy.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses the nursing process in delivery of care in Family Health Clinic or via telephone. Performs a systematic, comprehensive patient assessment during clinic visits or via telephone in order to establish urgency of patient’s complaint. Rapidly recognizes life threatening emergencies and is able to discern between relevant and irrelevant information in taking patient history. In collaboration with the patient, develops a plan of care which facilitates safe, cost-effective, high-quality healthcare services aimed at promoting optimum wellness. Incorporates assessment parameters unique to nursing across distances, such as patient distance from care and availability of resources. Carries out plan of care, facilitating referral to the appropriate level of care and provides home care instructions as indicated. Provides care within the context of the patient’s own agenda. Facilitates continuity of care. Evaluates effectiveness of care and other quality parameters such as customer satisfaction at the conclusion of clinic visit or telephone encounter. Appropriately utilizes approved protocols for patient assessment and clinical decision making, recognizing when deviation from protocol is required. Applies professional, community, and regulatory standards in delivery of care in clinic setting or via telephone. Maintains current knowledge of all over-the-counter medications that are recommended in approved protocols. Understands the importance of and shows competence in the application of excellent communication skills, recognizing and demonstrating the critical role of telephone communication (tone of voice, telephone etiquette, etc.) in the delivery of care by telephone. Utilizes critical decision-making skills, incorporating a variety of patient characteristics and elements of care delivery, such as, distance from care, available resources, age, and chronic illness, into decision making. Assumes accountability for own practice and delegates tasks appropriately. Documents effectively, facilitating care and reducing organizational risk. Possess a knowledge base that supports independent clinical decision-making (as guided by protocols and nursing judgment) and seeks collaboration when indicated. Facilitates access to the health care system through referral to primary providers, specialists, healthcare facilities, and community resources. Schedules appointments IAW hospital policies and procedures. Completes clinical nurse triage orientation and initial competency verification program. Participates in on-going competency verification program. Demonstrates knowledge of telephone triage approved protocols, and professional nursing standards of care and practice.        Ensures patient safety, confidentiality, informed consent, and patient rights IAW JC guidelines and Air Force (AF) policy when providing care and services. Maintains professional manner and displays positive/cooperative attitude. Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react quickly in emergency situations. Performs a full range of nursing procedures such as: IV fluid administration, oxygen administration, vital signs, specimen collection and other unit specific procedures as prescribed by the provider. Ability to administer medications orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravenously, and topically. Completes orientation and competency verification programs IAW unit guidelines. Will comply with the wear, use, and maintenance of all required personal protective equipment (to include, but not limited to respiratory protection) as required to perform normal duties, as identified by Bioenvironmental Engineering occupational health surveillance. Maintains regular and punctual attendance. Performs all other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.