Registered Nurse- Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases

The Clinical Nurse II provides clinical nursing care in the Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases Faculty Practice clinics at UCSF Medical Center. Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager and in collaboration with physician staff, you will develop and maintain high standards of patient care while ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff.

The Allergy and Immunology Clinic evaluates and treats patients with allergic conditions including asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, rashes, food allergies, drug hypersensitivity, bee sting allergies, immune deficiencies, frequent infections, and inflammatory diseases. Services include complete allergy skin testing and allergy immunotherapy.

The UCSF Infectious Diseases Clinic evaluates and treats patients with a wide range of infectious diseases, with a focus on complex or unusual conditions. Patient populations include those with skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, herpes virus infections, mycobacterial infections, coccidioidomycosis (valley fever), fever of unknown cause, bone and joint infections, and patients receiving outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT).

Responsibilities

Clinical Care (35%)

• Assess patient needs and responses to medical regimens through observation and documentation of signs, symptoms, emotional state, and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Respond to or refer patient inquiries appropriately and alert providers and the Nursing Manager to unusual observations such as chest pain or shortness of breath
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop short and long-range care goals
• Provide individualized nursing care responsive to patient developmental needs
• Prepare and instruct patients and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including nurse visits, wound care, vaccination, and venipuncture
• Administer and document medications while maintaining current pharmacology knowledge and competency
• Evaluate and document patient responses to nursing care, including pre- and post-procedure assessments
• Respond appropriately in emergencies, maintain knowledge of code blue cart contents and emergency kits, and assist with CPR
• Comply with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies for infection control, safety, and clinical practice
• Complete annual competency testing as required

Coordination, Continuity, and Communication (35%)

• Orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center Allergy & Immunology Clinic locations
• Organize activities based on patient needs while maintaining effective patient flow
• Maintain open communication and facilitate continuity of care through phone contact, verbal interaction, and written reports
• Utilize APEX information including labs and appointments to contribute to patient care
• Maintain accurate, current, properly signed records and documentation of patient complaints, nursing observations, interventions, care plans, and patient responses
• Obtain, record, and convey information clearly and concisely
• Demonstrate courtesy and follow-through in all telephone communications
• Foster and maintain positive public relations with patients, families, visitors, and staff
• Assist physicians and care coordinators in screening incoming referrals
• Assist with patient scheduling for new and returning patients
• Coordinate testing services with ancillary departments and request authorizations
• Work with providers to obtain prior authorization for specialty medications
• Communicate to patients via phone and electronically regarding new patient appointment requirements
• Assist in rotating roles within the practice including answering telephones, managing the front desk, assisting with patient check-in, scheduling appointments, and managing referral work queues

Advocacy and Education (10%)

• Participate in identifying patient educational needs
• Provide patients with information to make informed decisions and inform patients and families about services available at UCSF Medical Center and in the community
• Utilize and maintain updated educational resources
• Provide and reinforce patient health teaching using language patients and families can understand
• Verify patient and family understanding through return demonstration, verbal, physical, or written confirmation

Performance Improvement (10%)

• Participate in performance improvement activities to enhance clinical team flow and overall performance
• Make recommendations regarding clinical targeted improvement topics or problems
• Assist in data collection
• Report and follow up on issues affecting environment and safety
• Maximize resources by seeking appropriate support, effectively using supplies, and making suggestions for improved approaches

Self-Development and Professionalism (10%)

• Attend classes, conferences, workshops, and staff meetings and share information from programs attended
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings and clinical team meetings
• Comply with work-related policies including license renewal, annual PPD, CPR certification, use of benefit time, and dress code
• Contribute to the orientation and learning experiences of other healthcare team members
• Comply with departmental scheduling guidelines

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience with allergy and immunology procedures
• Prior experience with care coordination
• Prior experience in a medical office and outpatient environment
• Experience with electronic health records
• Working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office, and Internet
• Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations
• California Registered Nurse License
• BLS certification
• ACLS certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of RN experience in an inpatient setting
• Experience working with EPIC-APEX
• BSN or MSN
• High level of interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills