Position Detail - Staff Nurse

Position Type: Staff Full-time

Hours per week: 40   

Weeks per year: 40

Work Schedule: Academic year 

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

The staff nurse at Mount Holyoke College (MHC) Health Services is a healthcare team member serving as the primary care provider for our student population. Staff nurses offer direct clinical care within their scope of practice, which includes triage work, nursing procedures, and low acuity urgent care in accordance with standing orders; they collaborate with other members of the health care team as well as campus partners to serve the health needs and promote wellness for our student body. In all professional matters, the staff nurse is committed to clinical excellence, supports the mission and philosophy of College Health Services, the Division of Student Life, and Mount Holyoke College, and promotes multiculturalism and inclusivity for all.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Triage - The staff nurse at MHC Health Services is a healthcare team member serving as the primary care provider for our student population. Staff nurses offer direct clinical care within their scope of practice, which includes triage work, nursing procedures, and low acuity urgent care in accordance with standing orders; they collaborate with other members of the health care team as well as campus partners to serve the health needs and promote wellness for our student body. In all professional matters, the staff nurse is committed to clinical excellence, supports the mission and philosophy of College Health Services, the Division of Student Life, and Mount Holyoke College, and promotes multiculturalism and inclusivity for all. 
• Low Acuity Urgent Care - Provide professional nursing care to students, including diagnostics and treatments per department protocols/standing orders or clinician orders; monitor ill students who require onsite observation; consult with medical providers (NPs, PAs, MDs) as needed.
• Nursing Visits - Review medical records for compliance with state and College immunization requirements; administer vaccines or assess immunity as required; administer allergy immunotherapy; perform nursing procedures as ordered by medical providers (wound care, medication administration, health education, etc.).
• Collaborative Care - Serve as clinical consultation for administrative staff regarding the timeliness of appointment scheduling and processing health clearance; support lab staff with collecting and processing diagnostic testing; collaborate with other College Healthcare care clinicians (i.e., athletic trainers, counseling service) and campus partners (i.e., academic deans, disability services) as appropriate; care coordination for students needing transportation to off-site medical facilities, follow-up for emergency services, and/or collaboration between primary campus provider and other members of the health care team; participate in the management of communicable disease outbreaks on campus following a public health model and conjunction with CHS and public health officials’ guidance. 
• Documentation/Privacy - Document patient and family communication appropriately in the electronic medical records; document nursing assessments and care plans in the patient’s health record; maintain the confidentiality of protected health information in accordance with federal and state laws, professional regulations, and College policies (including but not limited to HIPAA, FERPA).
• Professionalism - Maintain active licensure, liability coverage, and required certifications (i.e., CPR, bloodborne pathogens, lab proficiency); stay current with trends and practices in College Health Nursing via continuing education and self-directed learning; operate only within the scope of RN practice; actively engage in departmental & divisional meetings and training; engage in CHS working groups and projects as requested (i.e., quality improvement, student health workers’ supervision, safety & emergency updates). 
• Administrative - It may include such administrative tasks as supervising student workers, managing staff credentials, assisting with medical clearances, ordering supplies, or managing forms. 

Qualifications:

• Current Massachusetts RN license
• Basic Life Support CPR certification
• Minimum of 3 years experience in acute care, ER, Urgent Care, ambulatory care
• Autonomy and collaboration in nursing practice
• Triage skills
• Ability to interact with a diverse population on a range of health concerns
• Ability to work with a range of disciplines to provide comprehensive care

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Health experience
• Public Health experience IV insertion and management
• Phlebotomy
• Experience performing point-of-care testing
• Experience with electronic medical records
• Experience with allergy immunotherapy, substance abuse, mental health issues, women’s health, and LGBTQ care

License/Certifications:

• Current Massachusetts RN License
• Basic Life Support CPR certification

Compliance Requirements: 

• RN license in the state of Massachusetts
• CEUs earned to fulfill license requirements
• Basic Life Support CPR
• Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Fire Safety
• Cybersecurity training
• Immunizations for Health Care providers as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Physical Demands: 

• Moderate bending, squatting, lifting, and pushing to assist patient transfers, push wheelchairs for non-ambulatory or injured patients, and manage medical supplies.
• Moderate amount of standing and walking to retrieve patients from the waiting area, room patients, complete assessments, and perform procedures.
• Sitting for short to moderate periods to complete charting in EMR, answer phones, and complete administrative duties.

Working Conditions: 

• The employee will observe universal precautions with every patient. PPE will be worn appropriate to the patient’s presentation and suspected exposure/diagnosis. They will wear procedure gloves during cleaning tasks with disinfecting sprays and/or wipes.
• Work will primarily be done at Health Services. Limited opportunities to work remotely to conduct phone triage or complete project work will be at the supervisor’s discretion.
  

Background Checks:

At Mount Holyoke College, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members. To ensure this, we require all new hires, affiliates, and others to undergo comprehensive background checks before joining our institution. Our Office of Human Resources manages and conducts these checks, including screenings for CORI, SORI, credit history, and driver credentials. Additionally, the Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management works to coordinate and facilitate these checks in accordance with our policies.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Apply online; application materials must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
2. A complete resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Contact information for three professional references

Mount Holyoke College is a college that prioritizes gender diversity and welcomes students of all genders. The college is devoted to ensuring that all its employees and students have equal access to opportunities in education and employment. As per state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Furthermore, the college does not discriminate based on gender when selecting students for its graduate program.

Mount Holyoke College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.