NURSE PRACTITIONER

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction of the supervising physician, provides medical services in the general care and treatment of patients in the health center; diagnoses and treats illnesses or diseases of the patients and instructs patients in their proper care. He/she utilizes professional skills in providing diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems along with preventive care focused on health risk factor reduction.  The Nurse Practitioner provides care consistent with medical best practices and the policies and procedures of the organization.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Evaluates and treats patients with acute and chronic complaints according to written standardized procedures.
2. Obtains complete histories and performs pertinent physical exams with assessment of normal and abnormal findings on new patients.
3. Obtains interval histories and performs pertinent exams on established patients.
4. Performs or requests diagnostic tests and makes appropriate specialist referrals as indicated upon evaluation of the patient.
5. Interprets results of diagnostic testing and reviews specialist referral reports; plans appropriate follow-up with patients.
6. Orders medications and responds to requests for medication refills in a timely fashion.
7. Performs designated procedures after demonstrated competency and according to written standardized procedures.
8. Initiates arrangements for hospital admissions and discharges and completes appropriate paperwork/transfer of medical documentation for the transition of care.
9. Recognizes situations which require the immediate attention of a physician.
10. Recognizes and considers age-specific needs of patients.
11. Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, families, staff and members of the community from diverse backgrounds.
12. Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely documentation into the patient’s electronic health record; completing, closing and locking the progress note per organizational policy.
13. Provides input to the Medical Director for the development of medical policies and procedures.
14. Understands the objectives and measures of the Quality Assurance Program; attempts to correct any deficiencies in order to promote desired data outcomes of the program.
15. Understands the measures and supports the goals specific to the Patient Centered Medical Home and Meaningful Use criteria.
16. Attends and contributes to productive staff and medical staff meetings as requested.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

1. Certification as a Nurse Practitioner by a nationally accredited nursing organization (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners)
2. A current DEA number from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration
3. Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
2. Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients.
3. Ability to maintain quality, safety and infection control standards.
4. Ability to work as a member of a team and to work a flexible schedule when circumstances necessitate.
5. Basic knowledge of medical billing, coding, and documentation requirements.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse patient population.
7. Knowledge of health education theory and motivational techniques.
8. Demonstrated ability to function both independently and in collaboration with other health care professionals.
9. Strong desire to support the mission, goals and program requirements of the organization.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:  Lifting, bending, reaching pushing and standing and/or walking for more than (4) hours per day.  Vision and hearing corrected to normal range.

Hazardous Conditions:  Exposure to infectious diseases and blood borne pathogens; close contact with sick patients.  Work environment involves exposure that will include the use of protective equipment for infection control measures.

Machines, Equipment used:  Typical office equipment including computers, fax machines, copiers, multi-line phone system.

Other:  Must deal with irate patients on occasion; must be able to work under conditions of constant interruption and be able to stay on task.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPOSURE LEVEL:  1

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

Supervised By:   Medical Director and/or Supervising Physician

Employees Supervised:   None