RN Lead in Outpatient Family Medicine

Description

Compensation:

• Non‑exempt/Hourly
• The standard wage range for this role is $43.67 to $53.51 per hour
• It may be possible to earn more over time up to $63.29 per hour
• This role is eligible for a Saturday shift differential

Work Schedule:

• Schedules are set between 7:30am‑6:00pm Monday‑Friday with participation in a Saturday rotation working a Saturday every 4‑6 weeks
• Opportunity to work four 10‑hour days or five 8‑hour days

Unity Care NW is a private, non‑profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing more than 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

The RN Lead provides day‑to‑day leadership and assists with optimizing the roles, functions, efficiency, and performance of Medical Department RNs as part of an integrated, outpatient primary care team. This role supports Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, Communicable Disease RN, Triage RN and new RN hires, ensuring consistent workflows, strong clinical practice standards, and a coordinated patient care experience. The primary duties and responsibilities include:

1. Provides leadership to assigned RN staff:

a. Assigns daily RN tasks and responsibilities based on clinic needs and staff competency.

b. Reviews progress of work and offers suggestions and direction for problem‑solving.

c. Provides coaching, clinical guidance, and peer support to RNs.

d. Leads group discussions, workflow improvement sessions, and RN meetings.

e. Provides timely feedback to the Medical Operations Manager regarding team performance, workflow gaps, or resource needs.

2. Optimizes RN workflow, function and performance:

a. Reviews RN staffing and schedules each day, adjusting coverage based on callouts, visit needs, same‑day demand, and provider support.

b. Ensures consistent application of workflows across Clinic RNs, RN Care Managers, Communicable Disease RN, and Triage RN roles.

c. Assists with development, maintenance, and training of RN workflows and standing orders.

d. Keeps current on UCNW policies, clinical protocols, and departmental standards.

e. Monitors RN task distribution and works with leadership to improve efficiency and coverage strategies.

f. Supports implementation of quality and operational initiatives affecting nursing services.

3. Clinical operations, Care Coordination, and Documentation:

a. Provides clinical support within RN scope, including telephone and in‑person triage, nurse visits, chronic disease management support, patient education, medication reconciliation, and protocol‑based refills.

b. Supports care coordination workflows such as TOC calls, preventive outreach, and care‑gap closure, ensuring safe and timely follow‑up for high‑risk and complex patients.

c. Troubleshoots clinical gaps, escalating urgent or high‑risk concerns to the Medical Operations Manager or Medical Director as appropriate.

d. Responds to urgent patient care needs and assists in maintaining safe and efficient clinic flow.

e. Uses the EMR to document care, manage tasks, and ensure timely completion of in‑basket messages and follow‑up actions.

f. Ensures task loops are closed for labs, imaging, referrals, and other clinical work.

g. Communicates with Care Team members using SBAR when appropriate to support coordinated care.

h. Promotes adherence to protocols, standing orders, and documentation standards across the RN team.

4. In partnership with Medical Operations Manager leads RN onboarding, training, and competency development:

a. Provides onboarding for new RNs using established checklists, workflows, and…