Injection Education Nurse, Medicine

The GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) was incorporated in July 2000 as a not-for-profit, physician-led practice group. The organization functioned as an independent organization in support of The George Washington University School of Medicine and Sciences as a multi-specialty physician practice group. The GW MFA has grown to become the largest independent academic physician practice in the Washington, DC metro region with 375 physicians and 100 APP providers. In 2018, the MFA bylaws were revised to allow The George Washington University to serve as the sole corporate member while the MFA retained independent 501c3 status. The purpose of the change was to ensure alignment between the MFA and The George Washington University.

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.

Position Summary 

The Injection Education RN is primarily responsible for providing patient education for those starting injectable medications such as insulin, weight management medications, and many biological medication therapies.  These are scheduled and unscheduled patient visits to teach patients about medication therapy, appropriate usage and storage, and self-injection as per the physician’s orders. In addition, they are the educational resource to the staff on medication and vaccine administration.  They assist in clinical duties as needed which includes training, quality assurance, medication management, and patient care in collaboration with the Clinical RN Supervisor or Clinical RN Manager. THIS ROLE PROVIDES SERVICES FOR ALL DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE PATIENTS (DGIM AND SUBSPECIALTIES)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for supporting clinical operations by providing individual patient education for those starting home self-injection medications.  Provides education to Medical Assistants, LPNs, and RNs on all new injectable medications (indications, storage, dosage, frequency, route, and side effects).  Responsible for medication administration evaluation, orientation, and annual competency of all MA staff.

• Daily primary duty is to cover nursing injection schedule, maintain patient flow, and adjust to accommodate clinic add-on patients as needed.
• Monitors patient appointments, patient flow, and clinical scheduling of nursing injection schedule in addition to awareness of main clinic schedule and patient volume.
• Oversees all clinic-administered injection medications for appropriate stock levels, storage, expiration dates, labeling of multiuse vials, and staff adherence to OSHA guidelines for syringe use and safety needles.
• Evaluate all non-licensed staff for medication and vaccine administration when onboarded and for annual competency with appropriate documentation in the EHR as per the DC-RN Nursing Act.
• Coaches and teaches staff to use correct medical techniques per best practice and documents deviations/inappropriate techniques and patient care delivery. Collaborates with the Clinic Manager to document inappropriate staff behavior/inadequate skills within the disciplinary process.
• Provides patient clinical services for those starting injectable medications by providing education regarding the indication for the medication, how it works for their disease process, storage, dosage, route, frequency, and the potential side effects. Document the patient’s level of understanding of potential side effects and when to contact the physician or call 911. Observe and document patient competency in their ability to verify medication amount, dose, and administration skills.
• Serves as a facilitator for clinical information to obtain prior authorization for injectable medications to insurance companies as needed.
• Responsible for overseeing and tracking all clinically related patient complaints, serving as both an MFA representative and patient advocate to ensure each complaint or concern is addressed and resolved in a timely manner. Escalates to Clinic Manager if needed.
• Analyzes systems and procedures, recommending changes that enhance the quality of patient care and increase operational efficiency.
• Anticipates problems and obstacles in clinic settings and applies appropriate problem-solving skills to prevent or reduce delays in patient care to reduce and improve overall wait times in the clinic.
• Available to provide clinical coverage as needed. This includes lunch and absence coverage. Works with Clinical Supervisor or Manager to cover scheduled injection teaching patients.
• Ability to assist the physicians with procedures, administer injections, triage, and other medical/nursing duties as needed.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills with staff, patients, providers, and supervisors, and uses a positive team approach in communication.
• Acts as a role model for professional behavior and customer service excellence. Understands the value of teamwork and the importance of team development.
• Acts as a resource to all clinical and administrative staff regarding patient care issues.
• Works collaboratively with staff and others across service lines.
• Evaluate staff effectiveness in providing patient care in a manner that adheres to MFA policies, Infection Control Guidelines, HIPPA, and OSHA guidelines
• Ensures and promotes compliance with all departmental and MFA policies including but not limited to the following:
  • Standards regarding training, professional development, communication, and management of workload.
  • CLIA requirements.
  • HIPAA requirements.
  • OSHA/safety and emergency policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Current or eligible for DC Registered Nurse license – DC license application must be in process by hire date and obtained within 90 days from hire.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of nursing experience in an Urgent Care, Emergency Medicine, or primary care outpatient care setting.
• Prior experience with utilizing Electronic Health Records.

Physical Requirements

• Walk, stand, and reach outward on a constant basis in an office setting.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull over 100 lbs. as part of the role.
• Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment.
• Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment.