Care Ring

Job Description – Registered Nurse, Care Ring Clinic

Job Title: Registered Nurse, Care Ring Clinic

Department/Group: Care Ring Clinic

Reports To: Access to Care Manager

Supervisory Responsibility:

Position Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (in-office), Monday through Friday

Exemption Status: Exempt

Travel Required: Yes — occasional, local (community health events)

License(s) Required: Current, unencumbered NC or SC RN license; current BLS/CPR certification

Salary Range: $64,000 – $68,000 per year

Summary

Founded in 1955, Care Ring is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to health care for the uninsured, underinsured, and those who face barriers to affordable, high-quality care. As a donation‑based charitable clinic serving both uninsured and Medicaid patients, Care Ring turns no one away for inability to pay and is a leader in collaborative efforts to improve community health across Mecklenburg County.

The Registered Nurse is a key member of the clinic’s team‑based care model, working alongside the clinic’s providers, medical assistants, and Access to Care Manager to provide safe, high‑quality patient care. The role suits an experienced nurse who is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and who is committed to Care Ring’s mission.

The role centers on clinical assessment and triage, care coordination for complex or high‑risk patients, limited direct care, and clinical support to the team, with particular focus on patients who have chronic conditions, multiple comorbidities, or significant care‑coordination needs. The position reports administratively to the Access to Care Manager for scheduling, workflow, and non‑clinical priorities. Clinical practice, protocols, and escalation fall under clinic provider leadership; the nurse practices independently within the RN scope of practice and escalates accordingly.

Responsibilities Clinical Assessment & Triage (~50%)

• Conduct telephone and in‑person triage using clinical judgment and evidence‑based protocols approved by clinic provider leadership; assess symptoms, determine urgency, and direct patients to the appropriate level of care.
• Document triage outcomes and recommendations in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Escalate complex or emergent situations to clinic provider leadership as indicated.
• Identify and report suspected abuse or neglect and reportable communicable conditions in accordance with legal and public‑health requirements.

Clinical Care Coordination (~30%)

• Coordinate care for patients with complex needs or multiple chronic conditions.
• Conduct post‑discharge follow‑up calls and support transitions of care to improve outcomes and reduce readmissions.
• Identify care gaps and barriers to adherence, and work with patients and providers to address them.
• Provide patient and caregiver education on diagnoses, medications, and self‑management.
• Process medication and referral prior authorizations.

Direct Patient Care & Clinical Procedures (~10%)

Direct hands‑on care is a limited part of this role.

• Read tuberculin (TB) skin tests.
• Administer vaccines as needed, per CDC guidelines and approved standing orders.
• Perform occasional point‑of‑care screening in support of provider visits.
• Maintain vaccine cold‑chain integrity, storage, and temperature logs.
• Follow sharps‑safety and bloodborne‑pathogen exposure protocols, and support clinic infection‑control practices.
• Maintain current BLS/CPR certification and assist on‑site providers in responding to in‑office medical emergencies per clinic protocol.

Collaboración & Team Support (~10%)

• Serve as the clinic’s primary clinical resource for medical assistants (MAs) and front‑office staff.
• Provide clinical guidance and mentorship to the MA team, including skills‑competency validation and check‑offs, without supervisory authority.
• Collaborate with on‑site providers and MAs to optimize patient flow across rooming and front‑desk rotations, care delivery, and follow‑up.
• Participate in team huddles, case conferences, and quality improvement (QI) meetings.
• Contribute nursing expertise to policy/procedure development, as well as quality improvement initiatives led by the Director of Quality and Informatics in support of Care Ring’s strategic priorities.
• Participate in community health events and connect patients with Care Ring programs and community resources as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements Required

• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in North Carolina or South Carolina.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program.
• Current BLS/CPR certification.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical‑thinking skills across the lifespan (pediatric to geriatric).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a care team, and to elevate appropriately.
• Excellent communication and patient‑education abilities.
• Proficiency with EHR systems.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based nursing practice and clinical guidelines.
• Commitment to Care Ring’s mission of serving uninsured, underinsured, and underserved patients.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum 3 years of clinical nursing experience.
• Experience in ambulatory care, primary care, community health, or a federally qualified health center (FQHC).
• Experience with chronic disease management, care coordination, and telephone‑triage protocols; ambulatory care nursing certification a plus.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English.
• Familiarity with Medicaid and programs serving uninsured patients, social determinants of health, and community resources.
• Knowledge of health‑literacy principles and patient‑centered communication techniques.
• Cultural competency and ability to build rapport with diverse patient populations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during clinic hours.
• Manual dexterity for clinical procedures and computer documentation.
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 25 lbs; occasional assistance with patient mobility as needed.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment and communication.
• Ability to respond quickly to urgent patient‑care situations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits

Care Ring offers a competitive benefits package including Major Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer‑Paid Basic Life and AD&D, Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability, Accident and Critical Illness Plans, Hospital Indemnity, Paid Holidays, and up to 20 vacation days in the first year of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Care Ring is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment with Care Ring is at will.