About The Role

Under general supervision of the Nurse Supervisor and Administrative Director of Ophthalmology, guided by the policies and procedures of the Ambulatory Services, and in collaboration with the medical director and physician staff, the Clinical Nurse II (CN II) performs established nursing procedures using clinical knowledge to care for adult and pediatric patients. The nurse provides excellent clinical care, telephone advice, and patient education to the Ophthalmology patients. The CN II will comply with the Medical Center house and Telephone Standards.

The CN II is accountable for their own practice and has primary responsibility for utilizing nursing process for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of safe patient care in the outpatient clinical setting. S/he carries out established nursing procedures and performs related duties as required and performs nursing care for patients with complex needs. CN II is recognized as a leader and clinical resource and demonstrates investment in the overall forward movement of the practice and organization. CN II serves as resource for all clinical staff and initiates and participates in patient and staff education. The Clinical Nurse II is responsible for nursing in the following Ophthalmology subspecialties:

Oculoplastics

Comprehensive ophthalmology

Retina

Glaucoma

Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Oncology

Neuro-Ophthalmology

Optometry

Strabismus

Pediatrics

The Clinical Nurse II must have the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks and work well with staff, patients, and providers. A high degree of independence, initiative, and diplomacy are necessary in dealing with faculty, staff, and patients in a complex environment.

20 YES Assessment

Identifies the needs of adult and pediatric patients through observation of symptoms, emotional state, test and laboratory reports, cultural and socioeconomic background and response to medical regimen and treatment. Uses knowledge of the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation process.
Respond to or refers inquiries appropriately. Recognizes and reports specific physical and emotional conditions/needs/concerns of the patients to the appropriate members of the health care team. Revises assessments based on patient’s changing condition.
Alerts physician of unusual observations of patients to facilitate immediate attention, e.g., ophthalmic emergencies, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.
Performs nursing intake process according to the policies and procedures of the practice

20 YES Implementation

Assists physician with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments, and in collecting specimens according to established protocol, e.g., biopsies and cultures.
Knowledgeable about the operation and care of biomedical equipment in the practice, as applicable. Performs technical procedures per clinical protocols as applicable.
Administers medications per protocol while maintaining current knowledge of pharmacology and competency in modes of administration.
Administers IV infusion of contrast media for retinal angiography and Visudyne for PDT. Continually monitors patient during IV infusion.
Records patient medical and ophthalmic history, medications, and allergies when rooming patient
Supports telephone triage for patients’ clinical concerns and inquiries.
Manages clinical follow-up for patients with complex medical and psycho-social needs (surgeries, procedures, etc.). Utilizes existing clinical experience and knowledge to anticipate and prevent potential problems.
Manages clinical situations with advanced skill, insuring the incorporation of patient/families’ physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs.
Responds appropriately in emergencies. Is knowledgeable about the emergency supplies available on site and can initiate and assist in CPR. Understands the procedures for medical emergencies, code blue and other emergency/disaster situations.
Complies with all Ambulatory Services and Medical Center policies and procedures for infection control, safety, administrative and clinical practice. Complies with requirements/standards by The Joint Commission/Title 22 /NCQA.
Other duties as assigned.

20 YES Coordination/Continuity/Communication

Organizes nursing care activities based on the needs of patients while maintaining the effective flow of patients through the clinic. Adjusts clinical support activities to reflect changes in priorities during practice sessions.
Coordinates specialty referrals, diagnostic tests, and surgeries, and participates in tracking follow-up results and communications from specialists or others providing care to the patient.
Assists and coordinates with administrative staff regarding patient visit and surgery scheduling needs.
Maintains open communication and facilitates continuity of care for patients and/or family with members of the health care team through phone contact, verbal interaction and/or written reports.
Monitors and responds to patient MyChart inquiries and collaborates with providers as needed.
Maintains open communication with other essential services such as pharmacy, sterile processing, ASC, to problem-solve issues.
Acts as a backup in monitoring weekly/monthly clinical QI logs, ambulatory audits, and actively participates in preparation for regulatory surveys (The Joint Commission/CLIA/CMS).
Assists in maintaining a continuous state of readiness for visits from regulatory agencies.
Delegates patient care activities and tasks as necessary.
Informs patients/family about services available at UCSF Medical Center and in the community.
Informs patients of the Patient Bill of Rights and encourages involvement in their own health care.
Other duties as assigned.

20 YES Teaching and Documentation

Prepares for and instructs both pediatric and adult patients about specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and treatments. Serves as an informed and open resource for patients for information related to all ophthalmic tests, procedures, surgery, and recovery.
Utilizes clinical protocols for patient teaching. Documents patient education in accordance with UCSF Medical Center standards.
Utilizes APeX for all patient related documentation needs.
Serves as an open and knowledgeable resource for patients and prospective patients with questions and concerns. Evaluates the effectiveness of health teaching by obtaining feedback from patients.
Acts as a clinical resource to other clinical staff, administrative staff, and other departments.
Participates in the development, review and/or revision of established educational materials.
Documents patients’ responses to nursing care including pre/post procedures and treatments. Documents clinical assessments, plan of care, interventions, and evaluation of effectiveness of care.
Documents telephone conversations/consultations/advise in APeX per department protocols and per UCSF Medical Center telephone triage standards.

10 YES Self-Development/Professionalism

Assumes responsibility for own career growth, recognizing the need to increase knowledge, keep informed of current trends and development within own area of practice, expand skills and show initiative.
Complies with work-related policies, including license renewal, annual PPD, CPR certification, use of benefits time and dress code, including identification.
Contributes to the orientation and learning experiences of other health care providers. Promotes teamwork and patient service-oriented environment.
Participates in practice and committee activities such as staff meetings, Performance Improvement, Patient Education, Patient Safety, etc.
Adheres to UCSF’s PRIDE Values.

10 YES Other Job Responsibilities

Functions as a contributing member of a team for subspecialties. Meets productivity expectations as set forth by the individual subspecialty. Performs any other duties related to patient care activities as required.
Trains and orients nursing staff.
Other duties as assigned.