Rheumatology Nurse (RN or LPN)

Community Clinic is a trusted regional healthcare system dedicated to delivering exceptional, whole-person care in a compassionate, professional, and welcoming environment. Every employee plays a vital role in living out our promise: We care. You belong.

About the role

The Rheumatology Nurse (RN or LPN) is a dedicated clinical support professional to the Rheumatology Providers, primarily working out of Community Clinic Fayetteville on MLK Blvd. This position assists in patient care under the direction of Clinicians, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Maintains patient flow during clinic to assure prompt, coordinated service for rheumatology patients.
• Obtains vital signs, measurements, and laboratory tests accurately, as per protocol, including baseline and pre-infusion labs (e.g., CBC, CMP, liver function panels, TB screening) required prior to initiating or continuing biologic or immunosuppressive therapy.
• Obtains chief complaint and reason for visit using excellent listening skills.
• Administers treatments and medications proficiently and safely, including biologic and non-biologic rheumatologic therapies, per physician orders and current standards of practice.
• Maintains exam room supplies, equipment, and cleanliness for optimal efficiency, including proper storage and handling of biologic medications per manufacturer requirements.
• Verifies insurance and prior authorization status for specialty and biologic medications as needed; coordinates with billing, pharmacy, and 340B program staff as needed.
• Educates patients and caregivers on rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis) and their treatment plans, including medication side effects, self-injection technique, and infection precautions related to immunosuppressive therapy.
• Refers patients as appropriate, interacting with referral sources in a professional and cordial manner.
• Triages unscheduled patients, telephone calls, and other patient concerns using triage protocols and professional judgment as well as warmth and concern for the patient’s wellbeing.
• Documents all patient interactions completely and promptly in the medical record.
• Refers patients to other providers as requested by clinicians; completes forms, maintains records of referral and follow-ups of results and recommendations.
• Appropriately documents referral interactions in the medical record.
• Adheres to applicable regulatory guidelines and laws, including but not limited to HIPAA/HITECH, CLIA, HRSA, NCQA PCMH, and OSHA.
• Performs other duties related to patient care, clinical workflows, and practice support, as needed.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a school of nursing.
• Licensed to practice nursing in the state of Arkansas as an LPN or RN.
• Current BLS certification required.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical office procedures and patient care techniques.
• Proficiency in medical record systems and basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of medical terminology and infection control practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to educate patients on rheumatologic-specific education.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking skills for analyzing and resolving clinical and administrative challenges.
• Ability to perform care according to age-specific competencies.
• Knowledge of complex biologics, including proper storage, use, and patient education.
• Ability to conduct pre-infusion labs (e.g., CBC, CMP, liver function panels, TB screening).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with rheumatology nursing strongly preferred.
• Infusion therapy experience a plus but not required.
• Bilingual ability in Spanish and English.
• Knowledge of 340B drug pricing program requirements preferred.

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with no nights, weekends, or call.

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement plan (automatic employer contribution of 5% per paycheck).
• Paid Time Off and Holidays.
• Employee Discounts for Care.