Physician Office Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the role of a Physician Office Nurse is indispensable.

As healthcare needs diversify and expand, the demand for skilled nurses who can manage, support, and enhance our healthcare system increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s actually expected from a Physician Office Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of the nursing profession,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Physician Office Nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Physician Office Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Physician Office Nurses, also known as medical office nurses, play a pivotal role in healthcare services.

They assist physicians, interact with patients, provide medical care, and manage administrative duties in a physician’s office.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Taking patient history and vital signs
• Assisting the physician during examinations and procedures
• Administering injections, medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician
• Preparation and collection of laboratory specimens, and sometimes performing basic laboratory tests
• Providing health education and counseling to patients and their families on various health conditions and diseases
• Managing patient records, including updating and filing medical histories and information
• Scheduling patient appointments and follow-ups
• Ensuring all medical equipment and supplies are properly maintained
• Handling patient queries and concerns, and referring them to the physician when necessary
• Adhering to infection-control protocols and maintaining a clean and safe environment

 

Physician Office Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Physician Office Nurse to join our team.

This role involves providing comprehensive, high-quality clinical nursing care and health education to patients in a physician’s office setting.

The ideal candidate must have excellent clinical and interpersonal skills and be able to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver optimal patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
• Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients.
• Perform and interpret diagnostic tests to monitor patient conditions.
• Provide health education to patients and their families on various conditions and therapies available.
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.
• Respond to emergencies and provide immediate medical attention.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and follow all healthcare regulations and standards.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license is required.
• Proven experience as a registered nurse in a clinical setting.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care and basic life support.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.) as well as willingness to follow them at all times.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassionate and able to handle stress effectively.
• A patient and caring personality.
• BS or diploma in nursing.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Physician Office Nurse
• Work Environment: Clinical office setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or patient transport.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Office Manager or Physician.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $66,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Physician Office Nurse Do?

Physician Office Nurses, often referred to as office nurses or ambulatory nurses, primarily work in the offices of physicians across various medical specialties.

Their main responsibility is to provide quality patient care before, during, and after the doctor’s examination.

This includes taking patients’ medical histories, performing preliminary physical tests such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature checks, and collecting samples for lab testing.

They also assist the physicians during examinations and minor surgeries, administer medications as directed by the physician, and provide patient education about treatment plans, medical procedures, and lifestyle changes.

Physician Office Nurses often manage patient follow-ups, ensuring that they adhere to their medication schedules, and return for further tests or treatments.

Additionally, they may handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and coordinating with other healthcare services.

In some cases, they may also be involved in preventative healthcare, promoting health awareness and conducting routine screenings.

Their role requires a combination of clinical skills and interpersonal communication abilities, as they act as a crucial link between the doctor and the patient.

 

Physician Office Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A physician office nurse should possess a variety of clinical skills, people skills and medical knowledge to provide efficient healthcare services, including:

• Advanced clinical skills to perform medical procedures such as wound dressing, administering medication and assisting doctors during examinations.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with patients of all age groups and backgrounds, providing emotional support and counselling when needed.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities to maintain accurate patient records, manage appointments and track medical supplies.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain medical instructions and procedures to patients, as well as effectively liaising with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
• A thorough understanding of medical terminologies, procedures, and the ability to use medical equipment and software.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and respond to patients’ health issues quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations, given the often unpredictable nature of healthcare.
• Patience and compassion, essential when dealing with patients who may be in pain or distress.

 

Physician Office Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level Physician Office Nurses are typically required to have at least 1 to 2 years of nursing experience, often obtained through an internship, or part-time role in a healthcare facility or hospital.

Furthermore, they need to have successfully completed a nursing program, either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and must be licensed to practice in their respective state.

Candidates who have 2 to 5 years of experience are likely to have honed their clinical skills in patient care, health evaluation, and administration of medication and treatments.

They might have also gained experience in coordinating with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and patients, contributing to their overall medical knowledge and communication skills.

Nurses with more than 5 years of experience often possess advanced skill sets, including managing patient records, performing minor medical procedures, and educating patients about health conditions and treatment options.

These experienced nurses might also have leadership and managerial experience, making them suitable for supervisory roles within a physician’s office.

Regardless of the years of experience, a Physician Office Nurse should have a strong understanding of medical terminology, be adept at using medical software, and have a high level of empathy and communication skills to effectively interact with patients.

 

Physician Office Nurse Education and Training Requirements

The minimum requirement to become a Physician Office Nurse is a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice in hospitals or other health care settings.

Subjects include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and nursing practice.

Bachelor’s degree programs usually include additional education in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

Once the educational requirements are met, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.

To work in a physician’s office, some nurses may choose to pursue a specialization in a specific area of patient care such as pediatrics, family practice, or geriatrics.

This often requires additional education or certification.

Maintaining licensure and certification requires continuing education, which ensures that nurses stay updated with the latest advancements in medical science and healthcare.

Prior experience in a clinical setting can be beneficial and may be preferred by some employers.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who wish to further specialize can become nurse practitioners (NPs) who can diagnose and treat patients independently.

This requires a master’s degree and additional licensing and certification.

The role of a Physician Office Nurse also requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they interact directly with patients, and often act as a liaison between the patient and the physician.

 

Physician Office Nurse Salary Expectations

A Physician Office Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $69,270 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can vary greatly depending on factors such as the level of nursing education and certification, years of experience in the field, geographic location, and the specific healthcare establishment.

 

Physician Office Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Physician Office Nurse need?

A Physician Office Nurse needs excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with patients effectively.

They require clinical skills for procedures like taking vitals, administering medication, and providing basic patient care.

They also need good organizational skills to manage patient records, appointments, and other administrative tasks.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential in helping to assess and monitor patients’ conditions.

 

What qualifications does a Physician Office Nurse need?

To become a Physician Office Nurse, one must be a Registered Nurse (RN), which requires a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by passing the national licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN.

Some roles may require additional certifications related to a specific area of medicine.

Prior experience in a clinical or hospital setting can also be beneficial.

 

What duties does a Physician Office Nurse perform daily?

On a typical day, a Physician Office Nurse might assess patient health, administer treatments, and assist physicians during examinations or procedures.

They also perform administrative duties such as maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating patient care.

Additionally, they may educate patients and their families about various health conditions and treatment plans.

 

What qualities make a good Physician Office Nurse?

A good Physician Office Nurse is compassionate and has a genuine desire to help patients.

They have strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients, physicians, and other medical staff.

They are detail-oriented, ensuring accurate documentation and treatment administration.

They also have the ability to stay calm and composed in stressful situations.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Physician Office Nurse?

Hiring a Physician Office Nurse can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the role.

Furthermore, there is a high demand for skilled nursing professionals, leading to a competitive job market.

Offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the heart of what it truly means to be a physician office nurse.

And you know what?

It’s not just about taking vitals or administering medications.

It’s about weaving the fabric of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive physician office nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this rewarding career path.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a stitch in the healthcare tapestry.

Let’s weave that future. Together.