Registered Nurse

SUMMARY

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct nursing and healthcare services under the direction of the Medical Director and in accordance with the PPSE Medical Standards and Guidelines.  The RN is responsible for assisting clinicians in all visit types, administering medications, overseeing patient recovery post-procedures, and providing patient education and counseling.  The RN is a member of the healthcare team and is expected to keep a current base of knowledge on contraception, STIs, surgical nursing support, nursing best practices, and current trends in sexual and reproductive healthcare.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Accurately documents all care, services, diagnosis, and treatments properly in patient medical records

• Answers client   calls (including participation in the after-hours call rotation) and gives client assistance in regards to referrals, medical questions, and general information

• Completes follow-up responsibilities and participates in PPSE’s centralized follow-up program

• Triages clients and helps in maintaining clinic flow

• Dispenses contraceptives and medications according to protocols

• Completes nursing duties in a timely manner

• Assist with the opening and closing of clinic as assigned

• Maintains and protects client confidentiality at all times

• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the clinic
  
  

Patient Counseling and Education

• Provides counseling and patient education on contraception, medication, medical treatments, lab tests, medical recommendations, and/or referrals

• Provides pre-abortion counseling to patients, including a copy of the printed materials developed by the Georgia Department of Public Health

• Provides instructions and counseling to recovery room patients

Surgical Care 

• Provides all nursing care of patients in preparation for procedures, during procedures, the recovery period, and discharge by the physician

• Assists Physicians and Nurse Practitioners and provides care as directed

• Takes responsibility for the crash cart remaining stocked, open and available on surgical days

• As authorized, manage and monitor analgesia and sedation during therapeutic, diagnostic, or surgical procedures to include administration of IV medication and documentation and monitoring of vitals signss (e.g. oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and pulse)

• Supports and participates in organizational planning to continuously improve patient outcomes

• Assists in other areas of the clinic as needed and as directed by physician and/or Health Center Manager (i.e. medical records, front office, etc.)

• Participates in referrals, follow up and quality control programs

• Identifies opportunities to improve clinic work processes and partners with team members to implement

Lab

• Assists in the lab and exam room as needed

• Assist providers with lab follow-up and required state reporting

Additional Responsibilities 

• Be forthcoming and truthful in responding to The Georgia Department of Public Health inquiries and requests for information

• Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing

• Registered Nurse with current AL license

• CPR training and certification




Experience

• 3-5 years of experience working as an RN, preferably in Family Planning, Women’s Health, or Public Health

• Minimum 1 year of Surgical/OR experience, including administering IV medication 




Skills

• Strong clinical skills and decision-making ability

• Must be interested in and have the ability to work well with diverse populations

• Good communication skills and ability to give counsel and patient education on a one-to-one basis

• Able to work independently and be a self-starter

• Able to multitask, prioritize, and maintain productivity

• Good computer skills, including internet/email




Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time




Languages Spoken

• English required, some Spanish speaking skills preferred

Essential Characteristics

• Professional demeanor and appearance

• Ability to provide / support the provision of objective information to women about all pregnancy  options available to them (abortion, adoption, or parenting) in the event of an undesired pregnancy 

• A long-term interest in reproductive health care, education, and advocacy 

• Willingness to work with staff and volunteers