JOB PURPOSE:

Performs a variety of patient care activities in accordance with established standards and practice. Emphasizes health promotion as well as acute and chronic disease management. Works in conjunction with physicians to provide medical services to patients; collects and documents data, conducts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies and professional consultations and provides direct patient care services, including physical exams, diagnoses and treatment of patients, etc

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist in diagnosing medical and surgical problems and prescribing necessary treatment and services for quality patient care. Reviews normal and abnormal diagnostic tests and takes appropriate action according to the individual's scope of practice. Participates in research by serving as a Primary Investigator or Sub- Investigator in clinical trials and registries.

2. Takes patient histories, conducts physical examinations, and records the date in the patient's record; writes progress notes; prepares patient workups and summaries noting pertinent positive and negative findings; obtains psycho social history relevant to patient care, and assumes responsibility for developing therapeutic relationships with patients.

3. Orders and interprets laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explains necessity, preparation, nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient. Obtains written patient consents and communicates with experts and communicates with experts as needed.

4. Carries out therapeutic procedures such as cast application and removal, wound suturing and dressing changes; monitors progress of patients, report progress to supervising physician, and maintains record of each patient's progress, consulting with supervising physician when patient's progress does not meet anticipated and/or predetermined criteria.

5. Makes diagnoses and formulates a treatment plan for patients. Performs patient education on their disease state, as well as healthy living recommendations. Will perform follow up exams after procedures, hospitalizations, surgeries, etc.

6. Provides clinical expertise and serves as a resource for office clinical staff in physician's absence.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current Georgia license for Advanced Practice Nursing and a Master's degree in Nursing, OR graduate of an accredited Physician Assistants program with current license for the Georgia State Composite Board.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

None

MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:

Licensed Physician Assistant in the State of Georgia. OR Licensed for Advanced Practice Nursing (ACNP).

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

None.