Nurse Practitioner

Description

SUMMARY: Provides independent nursing functions and delegated medical functions from the delegating physician (or alternate physician[s]) that are within the education, training, experience and legal scope of practice of an advanced practice nurse. Respects the health, safety, welfare and dignity of individuals of all ages with an ethical obligation to see that each individual receives appropriate care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functions within the scope of privileges as granted by the medical staff and governing body.
• Function as a part of the medical team in the rural health clinic and the hospital/ED setting: work closely with medical providers and abide by all plans and policies.
• Work closely with the health care team informing them of patient related issues and coordinating and resolving those issues.
• Ensure compliance with (1) the Texas Board of Nursing Practice Act, standards of practice, rules and regulations applicable to the advanced practice nurse, (2) the Texas Medical Board standards of practice, rules and regulations applicable to the nurse practitioner providing delegated medical functions, (3) the Nurse Practitioner Collaborative Practice Policy/Agreement and (4) delineation of privileges as recommended by the medical staff and approved by the governing board.
• Carry out delegated medical functions, including but not limited to: performing history and physical examinations, ordering or performing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, formulating a working diagnosis, developing and implementing a treatment plan, prescribing/ordering medications, monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, counseling and educating the patient, making referrals, requesting consultations and promoting health including preventive services.
• Assist with admissions/management and discharges of hospitalized patients in conjunction with the attending physician.
• Provide 24 hour call in ER/hospital, as assisgned and/or scheduled.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency and uniformity of data recorded on the patient’s medical records.
• Maintain positive and effective working relationships within patients, patient families/significant others, nursing and allied health staff, medical staff, and other hospital departments.
• Responsible for the implementation of and compliance with all safety policies and procedures within the department.
• Adheres to requirements set forth in the medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations.
• Work closely with Administrator regarding employment issues.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned requested or required.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Competent in the nursing process, medical skills and use of medical equipment.
• Knowledgeable in the implementation of patient care standards.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality in communications.
• Actively pursue knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in nursing and medicine.
• Compliant with applicable licensure and certification requirements, federal and state statutes and rules.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Member of the allied health staff as recommended by the medical staff and granted by the governing board.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Successful completion of an accredited program of nurse practitioner studies.
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse and recognition as an advanced practice nurse with the Texas Board of Nursing.
• Be licensed in good standing with Texas Board of Nursing and eligible to hold and execute a prescriptive authority agreement.
• Current national certification as an advanced practice nurse.
• Current DPS certificate.
• Current DEA certificate.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.
• Successful completion of the following courses for those with ER Responsibilities:
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), obtained within six (6) months from date of hire
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), obtained within six (6) months from date of hire OR 
• Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC), obtained within six (6) months from date of hire
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), per Trauma Rules obtain within eighteen (18) months from date of hire
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Basic, preferred
• An average of 9 hours of trauma-related medical education per year (note this is a requirement in the proposed trauma IV criteria, Texas – it is NOT currently required)
• 2 to 4 years experience in family medicine, acute (urgent) care, or emergency medicine preferred.

LANGUAGE/READING SKILLS:

• Communicate verbally and in writing in English.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Competent in dosage calculations.
• Basic statistical concepts.

REASONING ABILITY: Responds to unusual or varied situations that are not covered by existing standards, procedures and precedents. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, ascend and descend stairs, possess ability to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. 

Frequently be able to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist level and may occasionally be required to assist moving adult patients. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to focus clearly. Specific auditory abilities include using the stethoscope for body sounds to include breath, heart, bowel, and Korotkoff sounds.