About this position
Primary Function
The incumbent performs nursing procedures to patients of all ages independently within the framework of established policy within the Procedure Suite, Outpatient Infusion and Specialty Services Department at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Cherokee North Carolina. The Registered Nurse is a licensed professional nurse responsible for assessment of patients, development, implementation and evaluation of a patient plan of care; administration of therapeutic measures; teaching and counseling of patients and families; and participating in the development of nursing policies and procedures and quality assurance standards. The Registered Nurse is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, utilizing standards of care and practice, policies, protocols, and procedures. The purpose of the work is to perform the full range of the nursing process from assessment to evaluation. The work affects the physical and psychosocial well-being of the patients and their families.
Job Description
Specialty Services & Outpatient Infusion
- Administer infusions, injections, and medications per provider orders and nursing standards.
- Monitor patients during and after infusions for adverse reactions or complications.
- Perform assessments, obtain vital signs, and document clinical findings.
- Educate patients on treatment plans, medication safety, and follow-up care.
- Coordinate care with referring providers, specialists, and support services.
Endoscopy / Procedure Suite
- Provide pre-op care: IV initiation, patient assessments, education, and prep.
- Assist during procedures: monitor vital signs, support sedation care, and handle specimens.
- Deliver post-op care: monitor recovery, manage complications, give discharge instructions.
- Respond to emergencies promptly and appropriately.
Case Management and Insurance Authorizations
- Coordinate patient care and follow-up across providers and services.
- Verify insurance eligibility and benefits for procedures and treatments.
- Submit and track prior authorization requests to insurance companies.
- Communicate with patients about coverage, costs, and required documentation.
- Ensure timely approvals and assist with appeals if needed.
- Document all case management and insurance activities accurately.
Clinical & Administrative Duties
- Conduct ongoing assessments and update care plans accordingly.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with hospital policy.
- Communicate effectively with providers, patients, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance evaluations.
- Support infection control, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
Team Support & Flexibility
- Cross-train and rotate between nursing departments as needed.
- Serve as charge nurse when assigned; supervise and support peers.
- Flex work schedule to cover late clinics, on-call shifts, or procedural recovery.
Education/Experience
- Graduated from an accredited Bachelor or Associate Degree program in nursing with 1-year critical care or emergency department experience.
- Applicant must have an unrestricted valid Registered Nurse license within the state of North Carolina or a compact state
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) minimally required upon hire, must obtain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) which can be acquired through the facility following appointment to position. ACLS and PALS must be acquired within 3 months of date entering on duty.
- Previous experience in outpatient infusion and procedural nursing preferred.
- Proficiency rated at 1 year for an RN with one-year clinical nursing experience.
Job Knowledge
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and the nursing process to deliver age-appropriate care across the lifespan.
- Understands disease processes, medication effects, and appropriate nursing interventions.
- Interprets clinical data and diagnostic results to guide patient care decisions.
- Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing care in high-pressure situations.
- Familiar with interdisciplinary healthcare roles and effective team collaboration.
- Culturally competent and knowledgeable of patient population health profiles.
- Educates and counsels patients and families on health promotion and disease prevention.
- Aware of community health resources and referral systems.
- Understands standards of nursing practice, quality improvement processes, and ethical/legal responsibilities.
- Proficient in the use of medical equipment and electronic health records.
Complexity of Duties
The nurse provides a full range of comprehensive nursing care that includes assessing patient needs, development of a plan of care, administration of medications and 5 therapeutic measures, operation of specialized medical equipment, evaluation of the plan of care to ensure that the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient are met and counseling and teaching of patient and families. The nurse must recognize and respond appropriately to patient conditions that deviate from normal and identify, analyze, and report on causative factors and reactions.
Guidelines consist of professional standards of practice as determined by the nurse practice act, nursing and medical policy and procedures, standing orders, and hospital and agency policies. Complies also with federal, state, accrediting and local regulations. These guidelines are not always specifically applicable to the individual patient or situation and independent judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate guideline, and applying the intent of the guideline to the specific situation at hand. The nurse receives assistance from the Specialty Services Nurse Manager or his/her designee with difficult or unusual problems.
Supervision Received
The nurse independently plans, schedules, and provides nursing care in coordination with the medical care plan and attempts to solve problems only within established procedures. This is done under the supervision of Specialty Services Nurse Manager or his/her designee. The work is evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards.
Responsibility for Accuracy
The incumbent has a positive effect upon the recovery of the patient and is responsible for following policies and procedures, which serve as hospital guidelines and prevents errors from occurring. Errors can have a negative patient outcome since the incumbent’s performance affects the health, recovery, and rehabilitation of patients, and the quality of care provided. Evaluations and observations are used to modify and develop clinically appropriate treatment plans. Work can be verified or checked by the immediate supervisor, other health care providers or systems checks, but usually the responsibility for accuracy relies solely on the incumbent.
Contact with Others
Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies. Contacts with patients, families, and hospital personnel are to exchange, provide, and obtain information concerning the patient’s physical and psychosocial health care problems, and needs. The nurse uses teaching and counseling methods to influence and motivate patient and family behavior. Contacts with other health care or related disciplines within the hospital are for the purpose of collaboration and consultation
Confidential Data
The incumbent has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records and all other pertinent information that comes to the individual’s attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violation of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse actions.
Mental/Visual/Physical
Work in the various services within the nursing department requires considerable walking, standing, bending, pushing, and lifting in helping patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. These same activities are required in moving equipment and medical supplies. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds.
Environment
The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals and explosive gases. Incumbent is required to comply with Employee Health Program guidelines including current immunization status of identified communicable diseases and safety precautions are sometimes necessary, such as use of personal protective equipment as required by hospital policy.
Customer Service
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.
Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm