The Registered Nurse is responsible for a diverse set of functions/actions that include (but not limited to) the following:

• Telephone triage activities
• Management of Medicare and private insurance carrier wellness programs
• Providing RN skills/knowledge to support new programs (i.e. PREP) 4) support chronic care management programs,
• Care coordination support to Behavioral Health providers and collaboration with the First Choice Care Coordination Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Telephone Triage:

• Evaluate and assess patient's healthcare needs based on objective and subjective patient information.
• Utilize approved triage software to evaluate and direct appropriate, timely, care of patient
• Coordinate and schedule same-day appointments as needed. Collaborate with providers and site nurses to determine patient access
• Assures quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards; measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and standards; making or recommending necessary adjustments
• Manages prescription refills per protocol and is responsible for the medication refill line.
• Utilize standing nursing orders and triage protocols appropriately.
• Accurately documents symptoms/complaints, nursing assessments, advice provided and patient/caller response in patient and department records.
• Resolves patient problems and needs by utilizing multidisciplinary team strategies as appropriate and assists in the development of case management metrics to identify opportunities to improve care.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

Chronic Care Management:

• Collaborate with vendors responsible for Chronic Care Management services by facilitating access to internal providers, guidelines, and processes.
• Attends all pertinent meetings and serves as a resource to the Chronic care management vendor
• Facilitate access between chronic care coordination team and organization's care coordination team for challenges related to the social determinants of care. Works with the care teams in completing an initial care plan and periodic revision as indicated for patients enrolled in the Chronic Care Management program, PCMH+, etc.
• Works closely with the care team-embedded Care Coordinators to ensure that the care plan is being executed, and any barriers to completion of the care plans are identifies and assists in identifying solutions
• Serves as a resource to care teams to identify goals for patients and to help with strategies to achieve these goals
• Collaborates with Medicare/Private Insurance carriers in meeting the requirements for patient care management goals (i.e., medication management, annual well visits, annual procedures, laboratory work, etc.)

Program Support:

• Provide support to new programs that require RN activities such as care management, access to services, follow up management, etc.

Behavioral Health Collaboration:

• Assist medical clinicians (APRN, MD) in the medical management of BH patients (i.e., medication pre authorizations, assistance with accessing home care, etc.)

General:

• Complies with CT Nursing practice regulations and adheres to the policies and guidelines of the organization, including all trainings and validation activities
• Maintain/advance professional knowledge by creating/attending pertinent opportunities that support the work of the nursing department and organization
• Complies with all infection control policies and procedures outlined by the organization in accordance with professional, state, and federal guidelines.
• Other duties that support the organization, as deemed appropriate, by the Director of Clinical Services and Chief medical Officer

Qualifications

Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate productivity
• Skilled in active listening, customer services, problem solving
• Able to meet required deadlines for goals, program deliverables
• The ability to manage time/priorities efficiently and effectively
• Manage hours worked, floating holidays, and PTO appropriately
• Ability to communicate needs, challenges, and ideas
• Participate in all required meetings
• Knowledge and understanding of diverse populations with ability to work in non-judgmental manner, treating all patients with equality regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation

Skills & Experience:

• 2-5 years of clinical experience preferred
• 1-2 or more years' experience as a Care Manager/Case Manager working with high risk populations preferred
• Strong understanding of chronic disease processes
• Strong understanding of challenges faced by Transition-Age Youth, children with special needs, as well as those from underserved areas
• Strong motivational interviewing skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office suite; electronic medical records).
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Listening skills
• Customer service skills
• Valid Connecticut driver's license

Education:

• Graduated from an accredited registered nursing program approved by the Connecticut State Department of Health
• Unrestricted Registered Nurse license to practice nursing in the State of Connecticut
• Active Basic Life Support and CPR certification

COVID-19 considerations:
Employees of First Choice Health Centers must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Certain exemptions may apply.

First Choice Health Centers is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and an inclusive, accessible workplace. Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant's qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. First Choice Health Centers is a drug-free work place. We participate in the E-Verify program.

Job offers are contingent upon passing the employee pre-employment physical and drug screening, completion of a satisfactory background check, satisfactory professional reference check as well as other screenings as may be appropriate.