APRN/PA - Post-Acute and Long-Term Care - Advanced Practitioner

Overview
The Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Advanced Practitioner (AP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant (PA) who works independently while collaborating effectively with nursing facility leadership and staff. The AP will manage the comprehensive medical needs of patients in PALTC environments to:

• Improve quality of care and outcomes
• Improve the healthcare experience for members and families
• Reduce unnecessary/preventable hospitalizations of members
• Decrease unnecessary costs

Responsibilities

1. Patient Care

• Conduct comprehensive physical examinations, assess health conditions, and develop care plans for patients.
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, prescribe medications, and order/interpret diagnostic tests.
• Monitor and manage patients' health status, adjusting care plans as necessary.
• Provide preventive care services, such as vaccinations, routine screenings, and health counseling.
• · Work closely with nursing staff to manage wound care, infections, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

2. Self-directed Practice:

• Independently assess and treat patients within the provider’s scope of practice, following facility protocols and regulations.
• Make clinical decisions regarding patient care in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Act as the primary healthcare provider within the facility, escalating to collaborating physicians or specialists as needed.

3. Collaborative Relationships:

• Build strong, collaborative working relationships with facility leadership, including administrators and nursing supervisors.
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams (social workers, rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, etc.) to ensure holistic patient care.
• Serve as a liaison between the facility, patients’ families, and external medical professionals to coordinate care and communicate patient progress.

4. Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations, including OTLC, HIPAA, and OSHA guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely medical records.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Remain current with continuing education and maintain all licensure and certifications required for practice.

5. Health and Safety Oversight:

• Participate in infection prevention protocols and ensure that all medical interventions adhere to best practices in hygiene and patient safety.
• Educate staff and patients on health promotion and disease prevention, especially concerning vulnerable populations in long-term care settings.

6. Self-directed Work Capability:

• Ability to work independently, managing patient care without direct supervision.
• Strong clinical decision-making skills and the ability to act decisively in urgent or emergency situations.
• Demonstrated ability to receive constructive criticism positively.

7. Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with facility leadership, staff, patients, and families.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong leadership skills to serve as a medical authority within the facility while fostering collaboration.

8. Technology Proficiency:

• Experience with EHR systems and electronic documentation processes.
• Competency in telemedicine tools and virtual care platforms.

9. Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Capability to respond to patient needs quickly, especially in emergency scenarios.

Qualifications

DEGREE REQUIRED: BS-PAS/MPAS/DMSc/MSN-NP/DNP

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: 2 years. Long-term care experience highly desirable

BOARD CERTIFICATION: AANP/ANCC/PA-

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• WORK ENVIRONMENT: In-person, statewide Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) facilities

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Post-Acute and Long-Term Care: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Arkansas APRN (Required)

Work Location: In person