Health Center Nurse

Location: Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System

Position: Health Center Nurse

Incumbent Working Hours: M-F

Supervisory Capacity: This position supervises the Medical Assistant(s) of the specified health center.

Language Skills: Must be able to speak and write in English. Additional language capabilities are a plus.

Physical Demands: Normal medical/administrative office setting demands include lifting and carrying or delivering supplies that usually weigh less than 10 pounds, but may occasionally weigh 20-30 pounds, within the building. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to drive a private vehicle.

Work Environment: The office and clinical areas are well illuminated, climate controlled, indoor areas. Work involves some exposure to hazards typical to a medical office environment, including potential exposure to infectious diseases and blood borne pathogens, chemical exposures, fire, mechanical and electrical hazards. Protective clothing and equipment are provided and required to be worn in potential exposure situations.

• Conducts pre-visit planning prior to patient arrival to prepare for the workday. Participates in morning huddles to share information with the team.
• Accurately records the vaccine administrations in the electronic health record and in the PA-SIIS reporting system.
• Assesses the immunization status of all patients and ensures immunizations are current; administers vaccinations in accordance with current guidelines.
• Collaborates with medical team on patient status.
• Maintains complete and accurate patient records.
• Prepares patients and assists with patient examinations and therapies.
• Prints summary of visit and educational materials as directed, explaining content to the patient and instructing them in the checkout process.
• Participates with other clinical staff in quality improvement activities.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment in compliance with healthcare procedures and regulations.
• Monitors and coordinates maintenance of equipment operation and inventory.
• Trains new medical assistants to do vaccinations and rechecks skills at least annually.
• Assesses access to medications and treatment by determining health coverage and obtaining preauthorization from insurance companies when needed.
• Synthesizes health assessment information and uses critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to identify health concerns and potential screening issues.
• Applies recognized clinical practice guidelines and best practices to screening, monitoring, and assessment of patient’s physical and emotional well-being.
• Provides telephone and in-person triage according to established practice protocol.
• Responds to requests for medication refills for non-scheduled prescription with established protocols.
• Advises patients on health maintenance and preventative medicine and how to properly take medications.
• Follows medication administration and storage procedures and regulations.
• Orders and maintains vaccine inventory and related supplies.
• Informs and educates patients regarding the meaning and implications of test results and interventions.
• Responsible for maintaining vaccine storage and responding to power outages and temperature excursions.
• Responds timely to inquiries from insurance companies and referral providers.
• Supports medical providers with DME supplies or letters as appropriate.
• Acts as Facilitator in partnership with NIMAA program.
• Acts as Preceptor for outside nursing students (programs), as identified by MHEDS leadership and agreements.
• Works within the scope of nursing practice.
• Assists with in-clinic interpretation if multilingual.

• Adheres to safety, infection control, patient confidentiality, and related policies and procedures.

• Ensures the six domains of healthcare quality are met during each patient visit: patient safety, effectiveness, patient-centered, timeliness, efficiency, and equity.
• Consistent with MHEDS' values, treats all supervisors, co-workers, direct reports, patients, and any other internal or external person with respect and dignity.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or based on the needs of the health center.

• Licensed Practical Nurse from an accredited program.
• Current license to practice nursing in Pennsylvania.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• At least two years nursing experience required, knowledge or experience at a Federally Qualified Health Center a plus.
• Previous supervisory experience will prove helpful to the candidate.
• Nursing care knowledge related to primary care/community health/chronic disease management.