Ambulatory care nursing is a unique specialty within the profession of nursing. It involves promoting health and prevention of disease, illness, and disability in the individual by rapid, focused assessments. A key characteristic is extensive involvement with the patient and the family. The emphasis of ambulatory care nursing is on aiding both the patient and family in maximizing wellness and minimizing the symptoms of the condition, chronic or acute, in a cost-effective way.
UC San Diego Medical Center's department of ambulatory services offers a wide range of outpatient, hospital-based medical and surgical services. Our ambulatory nurses ensure that each specialty in the department operates within established guidelines so that our patients receive excellent care. Ambulatory Care Nursing at the Medical Center is made up of a diverse group of Primary Care and Specialty Care Clinics in various geographic locations in San Diego County.
Patients of ambulatory care nursing are usually dealt with rapidly and in high volumes during a short period of time, with services taking place on an episodic basis. The episodes are often over a short span of time, less than 24 hours, and can include one visit or a series of visits over days, weeks, months or years. The role of the Registered Professional Nurse includes screening, triage, patient education, pain management, case management, discharge planning and other interventions to restore, maintain or promote patients' physical health. This role is one of significant autonomy yet also important is the collaboration with different medical teams.
Many of our patients at UC San Diego Health have complex medical diagnoses that challenge the staff on a regular basis, with many patients moving through the clinic in a short span of time. Shorter hospital stays and high acuity levels contribute to the complexity of the clinics' patient population.
We require a current California RN license, CPR certification, plus demonstrated nursing clinical skills to quickly and efficiently assess their patient's condition and their needs, then translate their medical treatment into information the patient can understand and use at home.
When you join our team, you will receive a personalized orientation based on previous experience and skill development needs. General orientation classes are conducted by the Department of Nursing, while unit-specific orientation is provided through special training within each department. Our nurses also have the opportunity to attend many continuing staff education programs.
Nurses, if you would like to apply your skills in a fast paced, service-oriented Ambulatory Clinic, We would like to talk with you.