Description

Position Summary: 

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) collaborate with physicians and work with other healthcare providers as needed to individualize the healthcare needs of their patients. APPs provide diagnosis and treatment of health problems; focus on the effects health problems have on the patient and the family; explain health problems and the effects of medications; emphasize wellness and self-care; and manage their own case load.

APPs with prescriptive authority maintain a current collaboration agreement with a physician (as well as a physician who is available in their absence) who contractually agrees to be available for consultation and referral while maintaining the appropriate contracts as required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and/or Medical Board.

APPs perform physical exams; order/ interpret lab and radiologic studies; diagnose and treat acute and chronic health problems; provide health maintenance; and promote healthy lifestyles for patients.

Work Schedule:

Work schedules are agreed upon by the collaborative physician and APP to meet the needs of the patients

Primary Duties:

• Conducts comprehensive patient assessments according to patients presenting symptoms, progress and age-specific parameters.
• Documents findings and communicates all pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members and collaborative physician(s) as appropriate.
• Coordinates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation, and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patients needs and goals.
• Provides competent care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Provides education to patients/families/significant others, incorporating age-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
• Maintains patient confidentiality. Maintains standard universal precautions.
• Prescribes and administers medications as outlined by prescriptive authority contract and completes treatments according to policies and within age-specific parameters.
• Maintains and completes all required patient record documentation.
• Directs admission and discharge planning in conjunction with interdisciplinary team identifying discharge medications, writing prescriptions, outlining dietary restrictions, discharge activities and follow up appointments to facilitate discharge process.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills and decision making at an advanced level, i.e., lab, diagnostic test interpretation, etc.
• Delegates appropriately to licensed and non-licensed staff in accordance with job descriptions, license requirements, and standards of practice.
• Utilizes resources in an efficient and cost effective manner.
• Participates in developing other staff and affiliating students.
• Maintains and develops own professional competencies.
• Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation and collaboration.
• Actively participates in the Performance Improvement and Utilization Review program.
• Assumes a leadership role in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery system.
• Assists in directing and guiding staff in the coordination of unit operations.
• Effectively applies prioritization and time management.
• This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because of the essential duties of the job involves critical medical care to patients. A lapse in attention to detail may constitute a threat to health or safety resulting in injury, illness or death. This position is required to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Education: Physician Assistant (PA) degree from a school accredited by the Arkansas State Medical Board (ASMB) required OR Graduate of an accredited Master’s level program of nursing education that fulfills completion requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing.
• Licensure/Certification:
• Possession of an active current PA license issued by the ASMB and current Certified Physician Assistant (PAC), as issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) required. Current BLS and ACLS certifications required. Eligible for or has current Medicare provider number and DEA registrations. Certification is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Possession of an active current Arkansas Registered Nurse license and an Arkansas Advanced Practice Nurse license, active current certification by a nationally certifying body, current BLS and ACLS certifications. Eligible for or has current Medicare provider number and DEA registration. Certification(s) is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card.
• Experience: One year experience as a nurse practitioner preferred.