Registered Nurse - Pediatrics

Description

About South Boston Community Health Center

South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC) is a mission-driven, community-based health organization committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and accessible care to individuals and families. We serve a diverse patient population and are dedicated to advancing health equity, collaboration, and excellence in care. Our employees play a vital role in supporting our mission and the communities we serve.

Work Environment & Culture
SBCHC offers a fast-paced, team-oriented healthcare environment that values respect, collaboration, and continuous learning. Employees work closely with interdisciplinary teams and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a commitment to patient-centered care. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to grow. 

Position Summary 

The Pediatric Registered Nurse (RN) provides high-quality nursing care and care coordination for pediatric patients within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Primary responsibilities include telephone and walk-in triage, management of electronic patient communications through the electronic health record (EHR) patient portal (e.g., MyChart), administration of immunizations and medications, and support of pediatric providers in delivering comprehensive, family-centered care. The Pediatric RN serves as an essential member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, promoting patient education, preventive health services, and timely access to care for infants, children, adolescents, and their families.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Clinical Nursing Care

• Work as an integral part of the community health primary care team to manage the medical care of patients from a diverse mix of age, race, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Administer pediatric immunizations in accordance with AAP, state, and organizational guidelines.
• Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and injections as ordered by providers.
• Perform nursing assessments and obtain vital signs as needed.
• Prepare patients and families for examinations, procedures, and treatments.
• Assist providers with clinical procedures and examinations.

Telephone Triage

• Conduct telephone triage for pediatric patients using established protocols and nursing judgment.
• Assess symptoms, determine urgency of care needs, and provide evidence-based clinical guidance/disposition. 
• Coordinate same-day, urgent, and routine appointments as clinically appropriate.
• Escalate complex or urgent concerns to providers and other members of the care team.
• Document all patient interactions accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR).

Electronic Patient Communication

• Manage and respond to patient portal messages (e.g., MyChart) within established organizational timeframes.
• Address clinical questions, medication refill requests, laboratory result follow-up, and other patient concerns within the RN scope of practice.
• Collaborate with providers to ensure appropriate follow-up and continuity of care.
• Document all electronic communications according to organizational standards.

Patient and Family Education

• Provide education regarding childhood illnesses, medications, immunizations, preventive care, and treatment plans.
• Support health literacy by delivering culturally sensitive and age-appropriate education.
• Reinforce provider recommendations and promote adherence to treatment plans.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate referrals, specialist follow-up, and diagnostic testing as needed.
• Collaborate with providers, medical assistants, care managers, and community resources to support comprehensive patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and population health activities, as applicable. 
• Assist with outreach efforts related to immunizations, well-child visits, and chronic disease management.

Compliance and Quality

• Maintain compliance with FQHC, organizational, state, federal, and nursing practice standards.
• Support infection prevention and patient safety initiatives.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the EHR.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuing education activities.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts.
• Current BLS/CPR certification.
• Strong clinical assessment, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and computer-based documentation.

Preferred

• 1-2+ years of Registered Nurse experience, preferably in pediatrics, ambulatory care, primary care, family practice, community health, or an FQHC setting.
• Experience performing pediatric telephone triage.
• Experience managing patient portal communications (e.g., MyChart messages).
• Familiarity with pediatric immunization schedules and vaccine administration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of pediatric growth and development.
• Ability to assess and prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced outpatient environment.
• Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide compassionate, family-centered care.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, pull and carry up to 70 pounds
• OSHA Job Classification: II

Commitment

Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external) in accordance with the SBCHC mission and vision values.

Benefits & Perks

SBCHC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick time.
• Retirement plan options.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Other benefits in accordance with employment status and union agreements.

Compliance & Employment Requirements 

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and reference checks.
• Proof of COVID-19 and other required vaccinations may be required in accordance with SBCHC policy and applicable laws.
• Selected candidates must meet all licensing, certification, or credentialing requirements applicable to the role.

Equal Opportunity Statement
South Boston Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

SBCHC is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment.