Registered Nurse- PWC

About the Organization

Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is a community-based health care organization. Our programs have been recognized as national models. With a career at Lowell Community Health Center, you will be joining a dynamic team of passionate and talented people.

About the Role

Under general supervision, provides nursing and health care services to individuals and families in an outpatient primary care environment with assignments in adult medicine. Responsible for the management, provision, and evaluation of nursing care in their center area of assignment. Assists with telephone and face-to-face patient communications, physical exams, lab testing, and patient education. Responds to patient needs and ensures health care services for patients and families reflect Lowell Community Health Center’s mission and values. Works as part of the nursing team and assists in the continuity of medical/health care for patients.

Responsibilities

• Assists with provision of care that includes treatment, teaching, and counseling.
• Recognizes and interprets symptoms of patient’s conditions and reports to appropriate health care provider.
• Provides direct nursing services to patients and their families, including nursing assessment, intervention/referral, and health care education.
• Assesses patients’ needs based on evaluation of current functioning and strengths, review of previous health/medical plan of care, and medications, including support system, vocational status, and identification of any special needs (e.g., physical, emotional, or substance abuse/psychiatric history).
• Prepares patients for examination: completes history, reviews systems, and evaluates current physical health status.
• Takes blood pressure, weight, height, temperature, and other vitals as appropriate to complete health assessment.
• Performs vision and hearing screenings if appropriate.
• Obtains urine, sputum specimens as appropriate.
• Completes laboratory/radiology imaging reconciliation.
• Administers appropriate immunizations and injections.
• Maintains clinical logs for central area.
• Develops a system for summarizing clinical and laboratory data for evaluation, planning, and quality assurance.
• Assists with the planning and implementation of educational programs for patients and families to increase awareness of relevant medical conditions, decrease risk-behaviors, and increase responsibility for self-care.
• Attends and participates in in-service education programs for staff, quality assurance programs, and risk-management programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including work of equal or higher skill and responsibility.

Requirements

• Registered Nursing License in Massachusetts required.
• Current CPR/BLS Certification.
• 1+ years of experience in an ambulatory or outpatient setting is desirable, with a focus on pediatric and/or adult nursing.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bilingual skills in English and Khmer, Spanish, Portuguese, Kiswahili, or Pashto are desired.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking for up to 80% of the work day or shift.
• Some lifting, pushing, or pulling required up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to see and distinguish color.
• Ability to perform CPR (chest compressions).

Work Environment

• Frequent contact with patients, families, visitors, nurses, and other department staff.
• Occasional requests to change work areas to cover another priority area to meet patient needs.
• May be exposed to various body fluids and/or infectious diseases. Universal precautions and protective wear are provided.