RN - Ambulatory

Registered Nurse - Ambulatory

Departments:
Ambulatory

Qualifications:

• Current and valid RN license in any state.
• 18 months experience in specialty care area (within the past 5 years)
• Demonstrated clinical competency in acute and long-term care settings.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation.
• (Trainings on VA systems will be provided during 2-day orientation prior to official start.)
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient/Resident Safety & Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of patient/resident information.
• Ensure a safe care environment in compliance with The Joint Commission, VA regulations, and other oversight bodies.
• Adhere to protocols for medication administration, discharge processes, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, and patient/family education.

2. Patient/Resident-Centered Care

• Conduct comprehensive health assessments and develop interdisciplinary care plans.
• Monitor and respond to changes in patient/resident conditions.
• Document all relevant data in the electronic medical record.
• Complete nursing assessments within required time frames.
• Address emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and families.
• Update care plans and communicate changes to the assigned physician.
• Report any incidents of abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager or designated leadership.

3. Clinical Duties

• Perform head-to-toe assessments.
• Insert and manage IV lines, including peripheral, central, and PICC lines.
• Administer medications, including IV therapies.
• Coordinate admissions and discharges.
• Measure and monitor vital signs, including pain and pulse oximetry.
• Conduct wound care and dressing changes; obtain wound cultures.
• Collect and deliver lab specimens.
• Provide tracheostomy and non-acute ventilator care.
• Perform oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy suctioning, including deep suctioning.
• Administer tube feedings and manage urinary/bowel elimination needs.
• Educate patients/residents and families on diagnoses and medications.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Provide clinical oversight to LPNs, Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians.
• Conduct one-to-one and virtual patient observation.
• Perform capillary blood glucose testing and monitoring.

Ambulatory Care RN Specialty Responsibilities

The Ambulatory Care RN provides patient-centered care in outpatient settings, focusing on preventive health, chronic disease management, and coordination of care across multiple specialties.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Patient Assessment & Triage
• Perform initial and ongoing assessments for patients in ambulatory clinics.
• Triage patients based on acuity and ensure timely access to care.
• Identify and act on changes in patient condition during clinic visits.
• Care Coordination
• Collaborate with primary care providers, specialists, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Facilitate referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments.
• Support transitions of care between inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Chronic Disease Management
• Monitor and manage patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Provide education on self-management strategies and lifestyle modifications.
• Track and document outcomes in electronic health records.
• Procedural Support
• Assist with minor procedures in the clinic setting (e.g., wound care, injections, EKGs).
• Prepare patients for diagnostic tests and ensure proper specimen collection.
• Medication Administration & Education
• Administer medications, including injections and infusions, as ordered.
• Educate patients on medication regimens, side effects, and adherence strategies.
• Preventive Care
• Promote health maintenance through immunizations, screenings, and patient education.
• Support population health initiatives and outreach programs.
• Emergency Response
• Respond to urgent situations within the clinic and initiate emergency protocols as needed.