Registered Nurses (San Antonio)

The position described below is a job profile that is generally representative of possible future openings at LifeMasters

ENHANCED BASE PAY !

$5.00 Shift Diff

$4.00 Spanish Bilingual Diff (not req'd)

Join a dynamic, growing high-tech/high-touch healthcare organization that makes a unique contribution to the lives of thousands of individuals.

ABOUT LIFEMASTERS: LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. is an exciting national disease management company whose mission is to help individuals achieve and maintain optimal health by closing the gaps in medical care and encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles. With more than a decade of experience, we are experts at delivering disease management services to individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, musculoskeletal conditions and their co-morbidities.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, provides telephonic nursing care planning to a patient caseload using established ethical, professional, nursing and corporate frameworks. Develops an individualized, educational plan of care for each patient with long and short term goals, routinely assesses the need for plan changes based on patient needs, and is accountable for patient management while the patient is enrolled in the LifeMasters program. Educates participants consistently within allowable scope of practice patterns according to state and federal guidelines. Works with information of a confidential nature and communicates with team members and the patient/family in decision making. Provides support as required to other departments to promote LifeMasters services and performs special projects and other duties as assigned.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

1. Formulates and implements an educational plan of care in conjunction with the appropriate disease specific CareMap(s) for each patient and family (or support system) enrolled in the LifeMasters Supported SelfCare Programs.

a. Interviews in a purposeful, goal-directed fashion that encourages the patient and family (or support system) to express ideas, feelings, and facts in order to help identify the patient's needs and goals.

b. Compiles a nursing history utilizing direct and indirect sources of data.

c. Assesses interest, coping patterns, and learning abilities of patient and family (or support system) relative to care.

d. Identifies learning needs of patient and family (or support system) in order to develop and implement appropriate teaching plans, utilizing incidental teaching methods when opportunities arise.

e. Identifies and helps patient implement realistic short and long-term goals related to patient's physiological/psychosocial needs.

f. Assesses and incorporates suggestions of staff/associates when planning care.

g. Ranks and prioritizes patient's needs to establish plan for delivery of care.

h. Involves patient and family (or support system) in the plan of care.

i. Develops individualized educational plan of care; revises appropriately to reflect current and changing patient status and behavior needs.

j. Identifies and follows through on special patient equipment needs (e.g. pagers, weight scales, etc.).

2. Provides Supported SelfCare interventions to patient and makes substantial nursing judgments through regular appointment calls, interactive voice response (IVR) reminder calls, follow-up calls, and alert calls.

a. Acts as a patient advocate, coach, educator and motivator.

b. Assesses patient and family (or support system) coping skills.

c. Integrates knowledge/skills/abilities in providing individualized care and support to patient.

d. Maintains current knowledge base of patient's health status, care, and progress.

e. Monitors, evaluates, and trends patient's responses and progress to goals (CareMap(s), IVR compliance, and program goals).

f. Responds appropriately to patient alert and emergency situations using appropriate protocols.

g. Alters plan of care in accordance with any needs/changes in patient's physical and mental status.

h. Reports any changes in patient status via a faxed exception report to designated physician(s) according to the physician-approved Patient Care Action Plan reporting parameters.

i. Tracks and follows-up on exception reports.

j. Monitors and evaluates patient's completion of surveys (e.g., POV, SF-12, etc.).

k. Seeks guidance from appropriate resources when necessary.

3. Makes assessments continually and systematically to ensure the health care needs of patient and family (or support system) are being met.

a. Identifies need for and participates in nursing conferences and/or multidisciplinary team conferences.

b. Documents appropriate patient information promptly, clearly, and completely using LifeMasters approved abbreviations, methodology, and forms.

c. Initiates referrals and utilizes available resources within and outside the Company to ensure comprehensive care to patient and family (or support system).

d. Assesses patient's progress toward health goals and, when applicable, offers additional or alternative plans of care.

e. Offers suggestions or engages in activities that could enhance the quality of care given to patient, and shares ideas and seeks assistance in experimenting with new ideas.

4. Formulates clear nursing directions in order for other nurses to continue quality patient care in her/his absence and coordinates patient care by providing direction and assistance to other patient care personnel.

a. Ensures work is well organized and priorities are established.

b. Relates complete and pertinent information clearly and concisely in both verbal and written communications.

c. Utilizes inter-and intradepartmental resources in planning patient care.

d. Communicates directly with other members of the team regarding patient's needs.

e. Recognizes and utilizes talents and strengths of personnel to improve care of patients and staff members.

5. Fosters a collegial and collaborative relationship with other health care professionals and assumes responsibility for quality nursing care.

a. Recognizes and responds to verbal and non-verbal communications of patient and family (or support system) and staff members.

b. Preserves patient rights relative to all aspects of care, knowledge, and privacy.

c. Supports appropriate decisions and actions of other staff members.

d. Investigates questionable activities and discusses with the person involved and/or the manager.

e. Asserts self with tact and diplomacy when interacting with other members of the health team.

f. Conducts job functions in a manner that promotes a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, and supports LifeMasters core values and basic principles.

g. Demonstrates knowledge of current practice changes and protocols; implements changes in a timely manner.

h. Offers suggestions or constructive advice for the improvement of patient care or staff development.

i. Recognizes problems, evaluates facts, and reaches sound conclusions.

j. Problem solves with an understanding of short-and long-term goals.

6. Maintains competencies and participates in activities which contribute to the ongoing development of self and profession.

a. Accepts responsibility for own practice and development, and participates in activities that further develop professional growth.

b. Demonstrates interest in continuing education through participation in committees, resource activities, etc. offered by the Company or through outside sources.

c. Identifies learning needs and seeks assistance from more experienced staff members, manager, etc.

d. Sets realistic goals for own development based on assessment of strengths and learning needs.

e. Recognizes professional responsibility as extending beyond own group of patients to include goals established for clinical services and the LifeMasters organization.

7. Has a professional commitment to patients and nursing staff.

a. Demonstrates flexibility to departmental needs relative to patient assignment or work schedule.

b. Reports for work punctually and gives adequate notice of absenteeism or tardiness.

8. Conducts job functions in a manner, which consistently promotes a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, models and supports the company's core values and basic principles. This includes but is not limited to maintaining constructive and professional relationships with peers, supervisory personnel and internal and external customers, facilitating change and serving as role model, and proactively meeting customer's needs in a timely fashion.

10. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

* 2 + years Registered Nurse experience.

* Clinical experience in Cardiac and/or Diabetes preferred. Some locations may require experience to include geriatric, pediatric or indigent care.

* Strong basic (intermediate preferred) computer skills.

* 35 wpm typing & solid basic computer skills required is this a requirement or a preference (knowledge of how to use drop down menus, a mouse, maximize and minimize screens, switch between open windows and programs, tab functions, and cut and paste feature)

* Understanding of managed care and disease management from a clinical, contracting and wellness perspective preferred.

* Demonstrated ability to effectively educate adult learners.

* Ability to interact effectively with internal/external contacts, including physicians, nurse practitioners, patients, technical and clerical staff, etc.

* Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from various professional and non-professional backgrounds.

* Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and schedules.

* Ability to maintain a high degree of concentration due to complexity and volume of work.

* Ability to be flexible, proactive, and positive and respond to the dynamics of a changing environment.

* Ability to view health care changes as opportunities.

* Patient education program management, quality improvement team membership, prior business or call center experience preferred.

* Bilingual preferred, language may vary by location.



EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

* Graduate of accredited school of nursing

* Must have passed the NCLEX.

* Current unrestricted license as a registered nurse within the state employed and the ability to be licensed without restrictions in other states as business needs require.

* Bachelors or Masters Degree in Business or Nursing preferred.



Certificate/License:

* Current unrestricted license as a registered nurse within the state employed and the ability to be licensed without restrictions in other states as business needs require.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Minimal to none.



BENEFITS: LifeMasters rewards its employees with a rich benefits packages including; Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Medical/Dental/Vision, Cafeteria Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, 401k with Company Match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Domestic Partner Benefits, Direct Deposit, Discounted Health Club Memberships, On-site Flu Shots and Health Fairs and On-line Benefits and Payroll information. LifeMasters recognizes and rewards the diverse needs of its workforce by offering most benefits to Employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week and most benefits become effective the first day of the month following your date of employment.

LifeMasters offers a fun, caring and casual workplace. In addition, to our comprehensive benefits package, we provide professional development and opportunities for career advancement.

AA/EOE/M/F/V/D