What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nurse Practitioner - Addiction Medicine position at Family Health Center?
JOB SUMMARY
The Nurse Practitioner – Addiction Medicine is a skilled healthcare professional responsible for delivering high-quality medical and educational services to patients within the scope of their license and in accordance with the Nurse Practitioner Protocol and State of Wisconsin regulations. Working in collaboration with a licensed physician, this individual provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals affected by substance use disorders. The Nurse Practitioner ensures compliance with clinical guidelines, organizational policies, and state regulations while supporting the holistic health of patients. Additionally, this role contributes to integrated care efforts, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and participates in quality improvement initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Obtains complete medical history and physical data to ensure accurate and comprehensive patient records in accordance with clinical protocols.
- Performs appropriate physical examinations and documents findings in the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) to support diagnosis and care planning.
- Interprets clinical data and determines the need for laboratory and diagnostic testing to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Synthesizes clinical and diagnostic information to establish a diagnosis related to substance use disorders and develops individualized treatment plans.
- Provides education to patients and families regarding prescribed medications, treatment plans, and care expectations to ensure understanding and adherence.
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary health team members to ensure coordinated, comprehensive delivery of care.
- Coordinates and facilitates referrals to appropriate health care providers and facilities based on patient needs and treatment plans.
- Delivers health education to patients and families on disease processes, wellness strategies, and self-care practices to support improved health outcomes.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of assessments, treatment plans, medication lists, and follow-up care to ensure regulatory compliance and appropriate reimbursement.
- Adheres to the organization’s drug formulary and prescriptive protocols to remain compliant with regulatory and practice guidelines.
- Identifies barriers to patient care delivery and collaborates with clinical and administrative teams to implement corrective actions.
- Provides clinical supervision and supports triage decisions by assisting clinical staff with complex patient needs or urgent care issues.
- Demonstrates accountability for individual performance and resource utilization to support operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Complies with established safety protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
- Conducts comprehensive history and physical assessments, differential diagnoses, and treatment interventions aligned with scope of practice.
- Educates the care team on addictive disorders and co-occurring medical or behavioral health conditions to ensure integrated, patient-centered care.
- Prescribes appropriate medications, including medication-assisted treatments (MAT), based on clinical best practices and patient-specific factors.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners, including hospitals, emergency departments, and community providers, to ensure continuity of care.
- Participates in the development of patient education materials and refers patients and families to appropriate community resources.
- Maintains consistent attendance and availability to fulfill the essential duties of the role.
- Meets and maintains role-specific competency requirements to ensure ongoing clinical proficiency and compliance with professional standards.
- Leads and coordinates crisis intervention and addiction medicine services, including assessment, treatment planning, medication management, patient education, and discharge planning.
- Prepares and documents prescription orders for medications, including controlled substances, in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Triages patient phone calls, providing clinical guidance and reassurance to patients and families as appropriate.
- Actively participates in designated committee work and organizational initiatives that support quality improvement and strategic goals.
- Maintains strict adherence to scheduled work hours with regular and reliable attendance.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree in Nursing.
- Minimum of two years of nursing experience.
- Preferred Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Preferred one year of experience in addiction medicine or related specialty.
CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES
- Current Wisconsin Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP) certification.
- DATA-waiver (DEAX) prescribing privileges.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at time of hire, or within three-months of employment.
- Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License required with an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), per FHC guidelines.
Equal Employment Opportunity