The Dickens Center located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)continues the legacy and work of Dr. Helen O. Dickens, the first black female physician to become board certified in obstetrics and gynecology in Philadelphia as well as the first to be named a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Dickens worked to educate young people about their reproductive health in order to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. As advocates for reproductive health and as a leader in reproductive health care, the Dickens Center offers a full-range of services and programs which are enhanced by a skilled and compassionate team of health care professionals with proven experience in the delivery of outstanding care.

The Dickens Center is a dynamic team of OBGYN residents, nurse practitioners and midwives who work in conjunction with nurses, social workers and dieticians to provide excellent, compassionate care, with an emphasis on both physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The Dickens Center is committed to providing personalized care to all ages, fulfilling Penn Medicine’s philosophy of serving the community.

Summary:

• All CRNPs function under the guidelines as designed by the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center medical staff guidelines and are credentialed through that body. The CRNP will be held accountable through a formal job description, delineation of privileges, and through their agreement with their collaborating physician and a Collaborative Practice Agreement. All clinical work hours and associated requirements will be defined and managed under the direction of the collaborating physician/division designee and within the Human Resource guidelines.
• The Nurse Practitioner contributes to excellence in education, leadership, professional contribution, and practice.

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct clinical care for the patient population according to established protocols and utilizes evidence-based practice standards in collaboration with the team.
• Maintains accurate and confidential medical records. Documents all medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, outcomes, education, referrals, and consultations consistent with organizational standards in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Identifies self properly to the patient and family, and clarifies the role of the nurse practitioner if necessary.
• The nurse practitioner should function within their scope and refer to the collaborating physician when outside of scope, and/or directed by the collaborating physician or when requested by the patient and/or family. Performs interventions specific to assigned patient population and collaborative agreement.
• Participates in the performance improvement processes to meet the quality of care and service standards.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional responsibility as a role model to peers and members of the health care team.
• Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based on the patient’s clinical status.
• Addresses patient and family concerns and creates a therapeutic relationship to provide support.
• Provide patient education, counseling, and instruction regarding patient diagnosis, medical treatments, medications, and preventative care.
• Participate in and support accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization.
• Precept NP students and other health care learners.
• Identifies patient/family needs for community resources and refers them appropriately.

Credentials:

• ACLS (For providers in the acute care setting) (Required)
• BLS/CPR, as a healthcare provider as per the American Heart Association (For providers in the ambulatory setting) (Required)
• Board Certified as a Nurse Practitioner (Required)
• PA and/or NJ RN licensure (RN) required.
• PA and/or NJ CRNP licensure (CRNP) required.
• PA and/or NJ Prescriptive Authority required.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Master of Science Nursing (Required)
• Master's Degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing required and New to Practice or 2.5 plus years of experience.
• The CRNP must be reviewed by the Credentials Committee and approved by the Medical Board
• Womens Health National Board Certification preferred.