Compensation:

• Non-exempt/Hourly
• Standard wage range is $40.25 to $49.32 per hour
• It may be possible to earn more over time up to $58.33 per hour
• Eligible for a Saturday shift differential

Work Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• Shifts available for four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days
• Participation in Saturday rotation with schedule of 10am-3:00pm
• Shifts may change occasionally based on patient access and organizational needs

Who We Are:

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.

What We Value

• 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.

Job Summary:

The Clinic RN provides direct, visit-based nursing care in a primary care setting, supporting same-day access, provider visits, and in-clinic patient flow. This role focuses on walk-in triage, nurse visits, clinical support, and real-time coordination with providers and care team members to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality patient care.  The primary duties and responsibilities include:

1. Direct Patient Care & Clinic Support

a. Performs in-clinic nursing assessments, interventions, and patient education within RN scope

b. Conducts independent RN visits for acute and select chronic concerns per protocol and provider collaboration

c. Performs CLIA waived testing, injections, immunizations, wound care, and other clinical procedures per standing orders 

d. Prepares patients for provider visits and supports efficient clinic flow

e. Communicates significant findings/changes in patient condition to the provider in a timely manner.

f. Documents all patient care accurately and timely in the electronic health record
 

2. Walk-in Triage and Same Day Care:

a. Triages walk-in patients and in-basket items as assigned according to approved protocols

b. Assesses urgency and routes patients to the appropriate level of care

c. Responds to same-day and emergent patient needs in collaboration with providers and the care team

d. Reviews and acts on urgent and critical lab results per protocol and provider direction
 

3. Care Coordination:

a. Coordinates urgent and medically complex referrals in collaboration with providers

b. Communicates with external partners including pharmacies, hospitals, specialists, and long-term care facilities as needed for active patient issues

c. Supports transitions of care as assigned during in-clinic patient visits

4. Quality, Safety & Team-Based Care: 

a. Participates in clinic-based quality improvement initiatives and achievement of quality measures

b. Identifies care delivery or safety concerns using established reporting processes

c. Collaborates with MAs, providers, other RNs, and Quality team members to ensure continuity and coverage during clinic hours

What We Offer:

• A friendly and collaborative team environment
• A competitive compensation package
• Outpatient clinic – no hospital work
• Day shifts only – no nights
• No Sunday shifts

Loan Repayment Application Opportunities

• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid.
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (Apply to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov))  

While employes at UCNW are eligible to apply for these loan repayment awards, receipt is not guaranteed.

Generous benefits including:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off of 108 hours accrued in Year 1, 156 hours accrued in Year 2 and gradually increasing to 196 hours accrued per year over 10 years
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1 hour per 40 hours paid
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services
• Continuing Education (days & funds)
• Reimbursement of Washington State license renewal fees

• Knowledge and training in the field of Nursing typically acquired through a formal BSN degree program
• Washington State RN License
• Ambulatory Care Nursing Board Certification (view details at Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC™) | ANA) - if not currently certified, must obtain within first year of employment and we'll reimburse the certification exam fee after passing the exam
• Minimum 1 year RN experience 
• Strong clinical assessment and in-person triage skills
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (can get certified when starting)
• Ability to use the following software: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Electronic Medical Records (we use Epic), patient scheduling system, HR/Payroll program for timesheets, training systems and SharePoint.
• Ability to understand and respond effectively and with sensitivity to special population groups, including those defined by race, ethnicity, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, economic standing, and others.
• Ability to work at both our Bellingham and Ferndale locations on a regular basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in primary care, urgent care, or community health  
• Ability to communicate bilingually in English & Spanish a plus.

Qualified candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham & Ferndale

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Set amidst lush farmland on the Nooksack River with a commanding view of Mount Baker, Ferndale’s 15,000+ residents pride themselves on their relaxed, small-town friendliness and affordable quality of life. Ferndale’s convenient location in Whatcom County on the I-5 corridor is just 15 minutes away from our main site in beautiful downtown Bellingham. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

• Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)
• Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)
• Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)
• Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants)

To Apply

Visit our Careers Page at www.unitycarenw.org. For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/363mfhv!

If you feel this job posting is missing any required compensation or benefit information, please contact HR@ucnw.org. Other questions can be addressed throughout the recruitment process for candidates selected to move forward.

Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up to date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.