Staff Nurse-OPD Medical

Job Purpose

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Staff Nurse / Care Coordinator is accountable for the coordination of nursing care, including direct patient care, patient/family education and transitions of care. The Staff Nurse supports professional nursing practice across the continuum of care to meet the needs of the patient and family. The Staff Nurse will understand, support and promote the mission, vision and values of SSMC; provides age-appropriate patient care according to the Nursing Scope of Practice as defined by the regulatory body. The Staff Nurse will adhere to and promote the Professional Nurses Code of Conduct for Abu Dhabi and UAE.

The staff Nurse / Care coordinator is responsible for providing coordination of care between the patient, nurse, physician and other allied healthcare that are involved in the patient care. Facilitate scheduling and coordination of multi-disciplinary appointments to promote a holistic and comprehensive patient journey. Adheres to and promotes the Professional Nurses Code of Conduct of Abu Dhabi.

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and deliver health education to enable patient to improve their health. Reassure, motivate, and empower patients to adopt healthy behavioral strategies and maximize their medication compliance/adherence.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Collects and analyzes assessment data to determine diagnosis/issues:
  
  

 Assesses comprehensive data including but not limited to physical, psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs and interprets assessment information to derive the diagnosis or issues as defined by the patient's condition.

 Uses evidence-based assessment techniques and instruments in collecting data and validates the diagnosis or issue with the patient, family and healthcare team members as appropriate.

 Prioritizes the data and information collected based on patient's immediate condition or anticipated needs and identifies potential risks or barriers to the patient's health or safety.

 Documents the data and information collected in compliance with established guidelines and reflective of the needs of the patient.

• Planning and Outcomes Identification: Identifies expected outcomes and develops a plan that address health promotion, health restoration and health maintenance to attain expected outcomes.
  
  

 Involves patient, family and healthcare team members in formulating a culturally appropriate individualized plan of care.

 Applies evidence-based nursing practices in developing the individualized plan of care to attain expected outcomes and continuity of care.

 Modifies the individualized plan of care according to the ongoing assessment and reevaluation of the patient's response, status, and outcome indicators.

 Documents the expected outcomes as measurable goals in a manner that uses standardized language or recognized terminology.

• Implementation and Coordination of Care Delivery:
  
  

 Implements the plan of care in partnership with the patient, family and healthcare team members in a timely manner utilizing evidence-based interventions and treatments specific to the needs of the patient.

 Performs treatments and procedures according to established procedural guidelines and protocols.

 Administers medications according to organization policies and procedures.

 Ensures that all components of the individualized plan of care, including modifications, are documented in the patient’s health record.

 Communicates relevant information across all levels of care and organizations.

 Demonstrates a working knowledge of resource consumption and practices within a costeffective framework.

• Health teaching and health promotion:
  
  

 Utilizes teaching strategies appropriate to the individual patient's condition and learning needs.

 Uses health promotion to support patients and families in developing skills that promote, maintain, or restore healthy lifestyles and self-management support.

 Seeks opportunities for feedback and evaluation of the effectiveness of the strategies used, including teach back.

 Ensures that all components of the health education, relevant to the clinical condition, is documented in the patient health record.

• Evaluation: Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes.
  
  

 Evaluates the patient/family's understanding of and response to the plan of care.

 Utilizes systematic and ongoing assessment data to revise nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and the plan of care.

 Involves the patient, family and healthcare team members in the evaluation process.

 Provides a comprehensive clinical handover/report as required to ensure patient safety.

 Attends patient care rounds, communicates, and updates the attending healthcare provider on changes in the patient’s condition.

 Communicates with the patient care team about ongoing changes in patient’s plan of care and unit activity

 Documents the reassessment of patient status; patient and family participation and understanding; and the rationale for any revision in the plan of care.

• Evidence-based Practice and Research: Integrates evidence and research findings into practice.
  
  

 Utilizes current evidence-based nursing knowledge, including research findings, to guide and evaluate practice.

 Participates in evidence-based and research activities at various levels appropriate to the nurse's level of education and position.

 Shares evidence-based and research findings with healthcare team members.

 Participates in performance improvement projects for the evaluation and improvement of clinical practice

• Leadership: Demonstrates leadership behaviors in practice settings, across the profession, and in the community.
  
  

 Functions as a professional role model promoting a positive, team-based, organized, and safe work environment.

 Coordinates and supervises delegated activities to assure completion and serve as a resource for other healthcare team members

 Demonstrates critical thinking in priority setting and decision making in response to patient needs.

 Pursues informal and formal leadership opportunities

 Participates actively in organizational shared decision-making situations that improve the nursing practice, organizational performance, and outcomes.

 Supervises practical nurses and junior staff and student nurses to ensure the provision of safe and effective patient care.

Accountabilities

• Applies the principles of professional codes of ethics that ensure individual rights in all areas of Practice:
• Maintains a professional and therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and serves as a patient advocate assisting patients and families in developing skills for self-advocacy.
• Speaks up to question healthcare practices as appropriate for safety and quality improvement.
• Discloses any observed illegal or incompetent practices and decisions made by potentially impaired health care staff per organizational policy.
• Evaluates own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, rules and regulations.
• Considers factors related to effectiveness, cost, environmental health, and impact on practice and organization.
• Utilizes current resources related to standards of care, policies and procedures, and patient needs.
• Navigates and utilizes electronic resources for information retrieval, communication, and documentation.
• Evaluates factors related to patient safety, effectiveness, availability, and cost when determining practice options.
• Promotes a practice environment that reduces environmental health risks for staff.
• Communicates environmental health risks and exposure reduction strategies to healthcare consumers, families, colleagues, and communities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and education for self and others and mentors healthcare team members for the advancement of nursing practices, the profession, and quality healthcare.
• Oversees and responds to all levels of emergencies according to the organizations policies and procedures.
  
  

Patient Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, addressing inquiries, providing information, and ensuring effective communication throughout the care process.
• Communicate with patients in a clear, empathetic, and culturally sensitive manner.
• Respond promptly to patient inquiries, addressing concerns, and providing necessary information.
  
  

Appointment Scheduling

• Coordinate and schedule patient appointments, optimizing the use of healthcare providers' time and minimizing patient wait times.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of appointment details to patients.
• Remind patients of upcoming appointments and provide necessary preparation instructions.
  
  

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to facilitate a cohesive and patient-centric approach to care.
• Ensure seamless information exchange between various departments, specialists, and medical staff involved in patient care.
  
  

Patient Advocacy

• Advocate for patients' needs and preferences within the healthcare system.
• Assist patients in navigating complex healthcare processes and accessing necessary services and resources.
  
  

Documentation And Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting relevant interactions, care plans, and any changes in patient status.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations.
  
  

Quality Improvement

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care processes and overall satisfaction.
• Collect and analyze patient feedback to identify areas for improvement.
  
  

Insurance Verification

• Verify patient insurance information, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Assist patients in understanding their insurance coverage, co-payments, and any financial responsibilities related to healthcare services.
  
  

Discharge Planning

• Collaborate with healthcare providers to plan and coordinate patient discharges, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home or another care setting.
• Provide patients with necessary post-discharge instructions and resources.
  
  

Educational Support

• Educate patients and their families on their medical conditions, treatment plans, and self-care strategies.
• Provide informational materials and resources to enhance patient understanding.
  
  

Conflict Resolution

• Address and resolve any concerns or conflicts raised by patients or their families regarding their care experience.
• Escalate issues to the appropriate channels if necessary.
  
  

Resource Management

• Facilitate the efficient use of healthcare resources, including diagnostic tests, equipment, and healthcare professionals.
• Ensure that patients receive necessary services in a timely manner.
  
  

Continuous Professional Development

• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and changes in healthcare regulations.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

Experience:-

Required

• a. NLT 2 years clinical experience post qualification in appropriate setting
  
  

(Note: Experience requirement waived for graduates of UAE nursing colleges/universities after completion of internship)

Desired

• N.A.
  
  

Educational Qualification: Required:

• Bachelor degree in nursing OR
• Degree in Nursing (minimum two (2) years course duration) AND Registration as a Registered Nurse from Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia
• AND valid/current national license.
• AND BLS ACLS, PALS relevant to area of specialty
• Working experience as a staff nurse in clinical areas for at least 4 years.
• Preferably experience in a patient care coordination or similar role within a healthcare setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of clinical practice, healthcare regulations, and insurance processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary healthcare team.