Rn Triage Specialty- Phys

About the Role

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical, and business professionals across all disciplines.

Assist with all aspects of delivery of care and support for patients in an outpatient setting including:

• Assisting physicians and extenders (NP, PA's)
• Patient assessments and monitoring
• Patient education
• Triage nursing (telephonic and in person)
• Coumadin management
• Operation of equipment
• Chronic care management
• Risk stratifying of patients to identify high risk/high-cost patients and their medical needs
• Telephonic outreach to patients that have been discharged from the hospital, nursing home, emergency room and/or urgent care

Responsibilities

• Assesses, plans, implements, documents, coordinates, and manages patient care according to department and hospital standards, giving consideration to age-specific accommodations.
  • Maintains a computerized, evolving plan of care based on nursing assessment, the medical plan of care, and patient need. The plan is initiated according to department standards.
  • Maintains competency in utilizing available technology including, but not limited to: eClinical Works, Meditech, and the ability to generate clinical reports utilizing EMR systems to maintain patient compliance and ensure office documents (letters, telephone contacts, lab action) have been successfully completed, closed, and saved.
  • Provides patient care demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of normal physiology and disease pathophysiology, appropriate nursing and medical interventions, and principles of growth and development over the lifespan.
  • Implements patient post-care based on evidence-based practice.
  • Documents patient response to treatment and effectiveness of care.
  • Ensures appropriate completion of chart and other documentation, including transcription and implementation of physician orders and computer entry.
  • Collaborates with office staff to ensure procedure protocols and patient education have been completed accurately.
  • Ensures that no unapproved abbreviations are used when documenting on patient’s medical record.
  • In collaboration with physicians, intervenes as appropriate to prevent complications.
  • Implements nursing/physician orders that result in achievement of patient, nursing, and physician goals. Evaluates, revises, and improves patient care using creative strategies, current research findings, and consideration of age-specific accommodations.
  • Demonstrates initiative and self-direction in completion of assigned responsibilities in accordance with department needs.
  • Performs selected therapeutic interventions and diagnostic procedures according to department standards as ordered, including but not limited to:
    • Medication administration and education
    • Bridging anticoagulation therapy
    • New/adjusting medications, including injectables
    • Diuretic protocols
  • Performs the following as requested:
    • Initiation and maintenance of oxygen therapy
    • Obtain accurate vital signs following practice protocol
    • 12-lead ECG
    • Pulse-ox
    • Utilize 2 patient identifiers before performing interventions and/or procedures
    • Obtain and enter accurate problem list
    • Obtain and enter accurate medication list
  • Assists patients physically by providing support through pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching, turning, kneeling, standing, sitting, and balancing, and psychologically by providing emotional intervention.
  • Reviews lab results and medication holds for cardiology procedures.
  • Coumadin Clinic:
    • Adjust dosing based on INR results and determine retest date
  • Maintains competency in emergency procedures and demonstrates ability to perform with clinical proficiency in crises and medical emergencies.
• Communicates and collaborates with patients, physicians, family members, and other health care disciplines to achieve excellence in patient care.
  • Utilizes effective interpersonal skills including interaction with staff through understanding, talking, hearing, seeing, and listening.
  • Involves patient/significant other in all aspects of the plan of care, serving as advocate when necessary. Communicates test results, instructions, and responds to inquiries.
  • Consistently and continuously communicates, consults, and shares pertinent information regarding changes in patient status and care.
  • Uses interpersonal communication techniques that show a willingness to accept and give constructive feedback for promoting professional excellence.
  • Effectively communicates pertinent patient/significant other information during handoff of care or between departments report according to SBAR standards.
  • Demonstrates leadership skills in team building and interpersonal relationships to create a cohesive and productive environment.
• Promotes patient safety through adherence to protocols, policies, procedures, evidence-based guidelines, and OSHA Goals.
  • Analyzes and obtains data (reviews incoming reports) and prioritizes incoming data for providers as requested. Reviews incoming information (Open heart surgery reports, discharge instructions) and assists in arranging services including Mobile lab, VN services, Coumadin management follow-up, and office visits as needed.
  • Responds to unusual/undesirable clinical status by consulting appropriate healthcare team members, including the Rapid Response Team (if applicable), taking appropriate action in a timely manner.
  • Maintains equipment in good working order, reports equipment failure, and initiates corrective action. Adheres to defined computer-generated quality monitoring or procedures for validation of equipment functionality.
  • Safely handles various types of drugs and body fluids using knowledge of appropriate standard precautions.
• Actively participates in and supports departmental and organizational quality initiatives and goals.
  • Identifies professional goals reflecting own strengths and weaknesses and seeks assistance for improvement of performance.
  • Attends and participates in meetings according to department standards.
  • Supports and participates in department, hospital, and evidence-based care quality initiatives, including core measures, and periodically reviews policy and procedure manuals to remain current with office protocols.
• Maintains clinical competency according to unit-specific standards.
  • Demonstrates competency in maintaining specific technological skills required by job category and/or specialty area. Recognizes equipment or technological adaptations dependent on age-specific patient needs.
  • Maintains technological competence through practice and ongoing participation in in-services and formalized professional conferences.
  • Recognizes legal responsibilities and functions within limitations as specified by the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse - PA (Required)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (Required)

Benefits

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region.