Nurse Protocol
Role & Responsibilities
1. Responsibilities
As a nurse at Nordic Health Group, you have a central role for our patients’ journey and essential for the seamless operation of our clinics. Your role is key to upholding our high standards of treatment, service, and care.
1.1 Core Responsibilities
These are the core responsibilities you must adhere to in your role, ensuring that you never lose focus on any of these essential tasks. Each of these responsibilities are accompanied by key objectives on which you will be measured and that determine the success of your role. By focusing on these objectives, you contribute not only to the growth and success of the clinic but also to your own professional achievement
1.1.1 High Quality in Patient Care
1.1.1.1 Ensuring high-quality, exceptional care, by always adhering to the treatment protocols (see “Treatment Protocols”)
1.1.1.2 Prioritize patient satisfaction through exceptional care and clear communication and ensure that you achieve a feedback score above 4,5 on Google, Trustpilot, Vården and similar.
1.1.2 Treatment Efficiency
1.1.2.1 Ensure efficient execution of treatments, where treatments are carried out with an average of 1 treatment per hour or less.
1.1.2.2 Regularly monitor and evaluate treatment efficiency to optimize processes and reduce unnecessary time waste and waiting time for patients.
1.1.3 Stock and Inventory Management
1.1.3.1 Maintain sufficient stock levels at all times by accurately tracking inventory to meet upcoming treatment schedules. Prevent clinic cancellations due to stock shortages and avoid last-minute orders.
1.1.3.2 Optimize supply usage to minimize waste and reuse materials where possible. Aim for medical supply costs do not exceed 7.5% of clinic revenue.
1.1.4 Clinic Management and Development
1.1.4.1 Collaborating effectively with colleagues to optimize clinic operations, contributing to a streamlined workflow and a supportive work environment.
1.1.4.2 Address and resolve issues that enhance patient outcomes, clinic functionality, and clinic efficiency immediately.
1.2 Follow-Up and Accountability
To ensure that all processes are followed consistently, your supervisor will conduct monthly reviews to monitor adherence to the established performance metrics. It is essential that you consistently prioritize your four core responsibilities for all patients during every shift.
Your performance will be reviewed annually, but please note that it will be closely monitored throughout the year. If any of the objectives are not met, appropriate follow-up actions will be taken to address these issues. Ad hoc meetings and training sessions will be scheduled as needed to support your continuous improvement and address any relevant topics.
2. Daily Routines for Nurses
As a nurse at Nordic Health Group, it is essential to ensure that multiple tasks are completed throughout the day to maintain the clinic's high standards of treatment and care. To reach your main objectives, this is a throughout guide of items to review and complete during your shift The steps must be followed at every shift.
2.1 Start of Day Routine
As part of the preparations for a new workday, it is important for you as a nurse to ensure that all necessary tasks are completed correctly and on time. The following steps should be performed at the beginning of each shift.
2.1.1 Arrive at the clinic and ensure you are dressed in the appropriate work uniform as per clinic standards (see “Code of Conduct” in “NHG How-to”)
2.1.2 Log in to relevant electronic systems (Salesforce, Slack, mail) and check for any updates or messages.
2.1.3 Review your shift schedule and patient appointments in Salesforce for the day.
2.1.4 Ensure that all treatment rooms are properly prepared and stocked with necessary equipment, supplies, and disposables.
2.1.3 Assess the inventory to confirm that all medical supplies are fully stocked and accessible. If any items are lacking, take appropriate steps to restock so the day can go on as planned.
2.1.4 If any type of supplies is missing, promptly find a solution and assess whether they can be urgently sourced externally, such as from a pharmacy, partner clinics, etc. to ensure that the day can proceed as planned. Always collaborate with the clinic team to find a solution. If this is not possible, promptly contact your Clinic Coordinator to inform them of any potential disruptions to the planned day and to request assistance if needed.
2.1.5 Ensure that all devices (laser, anaesthetic pump and ultrasound) are properly turned on and ready for use.
2.1.6 Place the pedals on the floor for the examination table, laser, and anaesthetic pump.
2.1.7 Make sure the ultrasound machine is turned on and functioning properly.
2.1.8 Wipe down all surfaces with surface disinfectant to ensure a clean and sterile work environment.
2.1.9 Ensure that all instruments and equipment are prepared and sterilized for the first procedure of the day.
2.1.10 Mix the anaesthetic according to the specified mixing instructions (see “Treatment Protocols”).
2.1.11 Prepare the foam, with equipment, on a separate table needed for all the day's treatments.
2.1.12 Review if there’s any patient that needs a sedative (Diazepam), and make sure that the patient gets it 30 minutes before the procedure.
2.2 Preparing the Patient for Treatment
In this section, we outline the steps to effectively prepare a patient for treatment, ensuring both their comfort and readiness for the procedure. By following these steps, you will help facilitate a smooth and successful treatment experience.
2.2.1 Greet each patient warmly and confirm their identity and treatment details.
2.2.2 Explain the procedure to the patient, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
2.2.3 Assist the patient in taking trousers, socks and shoes off.
2.2.4 The surgeon marks the treatment area on the leg(s) with a surgical marker as per the treatment plan. Ensure that you agree on the planned treatment.
2.2.5 Position the patient comfortably on the treatment bed, ensuring proper alignment for the procedure.
2.2.6 Adjust the bed height and settings to suit the surgical requirements.
2.2.7 Prepare the laser machine, ultrasound, and pump with the right settings.
2.2.8 Drape and prep the patient according to the applicable protocol (see “Treatment Protocols”).
2.2.9 Prepare supplies and equipment needed for the treatment according to the protocols.
2.2.10 Provide reassurance and answer any last-minute questions the patient may have.
2.2.11 Ensure the patient is relaxed and ready before the surgeon enters.
2.3 Treatment
The nursing role during the treatment phase is critical to the success of the procedure and the patient’s overall experience. Our goal is to deliver exceptional care that not only meets medical standards but also ensures the patient feels valued and reassured throughout their journey. This protocol outlines the steps to be taken by nursing staff, ensuring that care is efficient, precise, and patient-centered.
2.3.1 Prepare the treatment area, ensuring that all instruments are sterile, and all materials required for the procedure are readily available.
2.3.2 Prepare the patient by prepping and draping for surgery according to the treatment protocols (see “Treatment Protocols”)
2.3.3 Confirm the patient’s comfort and understanding before proceeding.
2.3.4 Continuously monitor the patient’s response to anaesthesia and the treatment overall, ensuring they are comfortable throughout the procedure.
2.3.5 Assist the surgeon in executing the procedure according to the Treatment Protocols (see “Treatment Protocols”). Be prepared to provide necessary tools and support as described in the Treatment Protocol.
2.3.6 Maintain clear and calm communication with the patient during the procedure, providing updates on progress as needed.
2.3.7 Make sure that to oversee the treatment schedule to ensure the day proceeds efficiently without any significant delays.
2.3.8 Work together with the team to make sure to perform the treatments as time- and costefficiently as possible without compromising patient care. The treatments should on average take no longer than 1 hour per treatment. Consult your Clinic Coordinator if you need further training.
The nurse plays a pivotal role to ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care, promoting their overall satisfaction with their experience at our clinic.
2.4 Ending the Treatment
2.4.1 Apply the compression bandages according to the recommended technique (see “Treatment Protocols”). Ensure that the bandages are snug but not too tight to avoid restricted circulation.
2.4.2 Instruct the patient in aftercare, following the guidelines in the patient information (see “Treatment Protocols”)
2.4.3 Ensure that the patient is both comfortable and confident before they exit the treatment room and proceed to leave for home.
2.4.4 Safely remove sharp objects such as needles to prevent needle-stick injuries.
2.4.5 Safely dispose all used materials such as bandages, gloves, and other disposables in appropriate waste containers.
2.4.6 Clean and prepare the treatment area for the next treatment.
2.4.7 Clean and disinfect all surfaces that came into contact with the patient or treatment materials, including treatment tables, countertops, and equipment.
2.5 Manage Stock and Order Supplies
It is your responsibility to ensure proper stock management. It is essential for maintaining efficient clinic operations and ensuring that all necessary materials are available and within their usable dates. Follow these guidelines to manage inventory, address shortages, and control costs effectively.
2.5.1 At least once every shift check stock level of medical supplies and equipment to ensure they are sufficient to cover at least four clinic days and enough to last more than three weeks.
2.5.2 Manage any shortages and reorder medical supplies.
2.5.3 Ensure that all required medical supplies are ordered in a timely manner (see “Orders” in the “NHG How-to”)
2.5.4 Be aware that some products can be out of stock or have more than 1 week of delivery-time. Account for the potential three-week lead time on certain supplies when placing orders, ensuring no disruptions to clinic operations.
2.5.5 Monitor the expiration dates of medical supplies and ensure that items are used before they become outdated.
2.5.6 Always be mindful of consumption and costs when managing medical supplies.
2.5.7 Consumption will be monitored continuously to ensure it aligns with expected usage and meets the clinic’s objectives. When used cost-effectively, medical supply expenses should not exceed 7.5% of the clinic's revenue.
2.6 Engagement, Planning, and Support
2.6.1 Work collaboratively with other staff members, including receptionists, nurses, and administrative staff, to ensure the clinic operates smoothly. Your engagement and willingness to contribute to the overall functioning of the clinic are key to its success.
2.6.2 You are expected to actively contribute to the clinic’s success by suggesting improvements, solving problems, and enhancing operations. Identify areas where the clinic can improve in terms of patient care, the clinic’s functionality, operational efficiency, or overall patient experience, and address them immediately to your Clinic Coordinator or resolve them yourself, if possible. This could include, but is not limited to, streamlining appointment scheduling to reduce patient wait times, replacing malfunctioning equipment, or take actions to improve the air quality, cleaning, patient comfort etc
2.6.3 Regularly evaluate your own practices and the clinic’s processes. Propose solutions to your Clinic Coordinator, that could lead to better outcomes for patients and improved clinic operations.
2.6.4 Provide feedback to your Clinic Coordinator on how clinic operations and collaboration can be enhanced.
2.6.5 Proper planning and schedule alignment are crucial for minimizing conflicts and ensuring consistent patient care. Efficient scheduling for all staff contributes to smooth clinic operations.
2.6.6 Aim to schedule clinic days at least two months in advance, ideally up to three months.
2.6.7 Bring your calendar to work to facilitate coordination with colleagues at the clinic. Once the clinic days are planned, promptly send the schedule via email to your Clinic Coordinator for confirmation and further coordination.
2.7 End of Day Routine
Closing procedures are vital for preparing the clinic for the next day. Ensure all tasks are completed to maintain a high standard of readiness and organization.
2.7.1 Restock supplies that were used during the treatment, ensuring that all necessary items are available for the next day.
2.7.2 Inspect any equipment used during the treatment for cleanliness and proper functioning. Perform any necessary maintenance or cleaning.
2.7.3 Clean and disinfect all equipment and surfaces in the treatment room according to protocols (see “Treatment Protocols”).
2.7.4 Deactivate and store all equipment appropriately, so they the facilities are left in order
2.7.5 Dispose of any medical waste or used materials following clinic guidelines (See “Treatment Protocols”)
2.7.6 Complete the End of day Report (see “Submitting the Daily Report” in “NHG How to”).
2.7.7 Perform a final check to ensure that the room is tidy and in proper order before leaving.