Lead Registered Nurse

Job Description: Registered Nurse

Reports To: Director of Clinical Services

Status: Full-Time Regular, Exempt

Positions Summary: The Lead Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for overseeing the training of clinical nursing duties, ensuring high-quality patient care, and providing leadership and mentorship to the nursing team. Assists the Medical Department in ensuring efficient clinic and patient flow and provider productivity. This position plays a critical role in maintaining clinical efficiency, upholding best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and patient-centered care. The Lead RN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to optimize clinical workflows and enhance service delivery in a community health clinic setting. The Lead RN is an important member of the IHC care teams and as such he/she ensures high quality medical care at all times. The RN adheres to the internal Policies and Procedures. The IHC is a Patient Centered Health Home and all employees are an integral part of this model of care delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and training oversight for the nursing team, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols and policies.
• Mentors and support RNs, LVNs, and Medical Assistants in their daily responsibilities.
• Assist with the development of clinical workflow implementation and evaluation of nursing protocols, policies, and procedures in alignment with evidence-based practices.
• Conduct training and competency assessments for nursing staff to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Support the Director of Clinical Services in strategic planning and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes.
• Support the Director of Clinical Services with administrative tasks, developing reports, and serving as a liaison between the care teams.
• Oversee patient triage, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to patient needs.
• Participate in triage duties and direct patient care, including administering treatments, vaccinations, and wound care as necessary.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with infection control, OSHA, and HIPAA regulations.
• Coordinate with providers and other healthcare professionals to improve interdisciplinary communication and patient care coordination.
• Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation of nursing staff.
• Serve as a resource for clinical problem-solving and conflict resolution within the nursing team.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to clinical operations and nursing performance.
• Represent nursing staff in clinical and administrative meetings as needed.
• Assists the Medical Department in ensuring clinic flow and provider productivity
• Assists providers with prescriptions, abnormal test results and referrals of patients for consultations/specialized tests
• Assist the team with the patient flow coordination and scheduling efforts
• Assists the Medical Back Office as needed
• Provides support to the RN Care Coordinator with:
• tracking and follow-up of abnormal tests and exam results (paps, mammograms, + FIT tests, + PPDs, etc.)
• the tracking and follow-up of patients enrolled in the Cancer Detection Program
• Care coordination for patients seen at the ER or admitted in local hospitals
• Processing of Diagnostic Imaging orders
• Reports cases to the Public Health Department when indicated
• Educates patients re: chronic disease management, risk reduction, disease prevention, and medication adherence
• Follows the 911 internal protocol for patients who are sent to the ER
• Organizes and maintains the Emergency Cart
• Assists the Clinic Manager with Audits, Reporting and Quality Improvement projects
• Participate as a proactive representative of the Patient Centered Health Home
• Performs duties utilizing the Team-Based Approach
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Possession of California Registered Nursing License in good standing
• 2 years of experience as a nurse in a community health clinic
• 2 years experience in a supervisory position
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
• Excellent customer service skills
• Possession of a valid California Driver License, automobile insurance, and a clean driving record
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to function independently and as a team member within diverse environments as well as with a diverse staff composition
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple administrative functions simultaneously in an accurate, organized, and efficient manner
• Ability to carry out all responsibilities in an honest, ethical and professional manner and demonstrate good judgment
• Knowledge of and ability to relate to the American Indian community and other minority populations
• Electronic Health Record proficiency needed

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extensive periods of time
• Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for nursing care
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
• Ability to stoop, squat, or bend frequently
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff

Working Conditions:

Exposure to all patient elements, including communicable disease and blood borne pathogens. Will be working in a fast paced medical environment which can be stressful and constantly changing conditions. Normal working hours are from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm with one hour for lunch. However, working hours may vary depending upon need. Will need to be flexible in performing tasks with limited discretion in making judgment decisions.

Preference is given to qualified American Indians/Alaskan Native in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title25, US Code Sections 472, 473 and 473a). In other than as mentioned, the Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer including minorities, women, disabled and veterans. .