Advanced Practice Professional (PA/NP)

SCHEDULE: One weekend per month (12 hours): Saturday - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday - 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

The Advanced Practice Professional (Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) provides primary health care and performs selective medical services under the direction of rural health clinic physicians. She/he integrates and interprets findings based on general medical knowledge and exercises a limited degree of independent medical judgment.

Successful completion of a recognized and approved Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant program and certification leading to licensure as a PA-C or ARNP or NP. Maintains ACLS certification. Previous Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant experience preferred, but not required. Must have the knowledge of medicine and nursing to provide and evaluate patient care. Must possess knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care, medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care in a safe work environment. Must respond to emergencies immediately, maintaining a professional and calm composure. Must meet the demands of a patient schedule and patient care.

Obtains complete, detailed, and accurate histories, reviews patient records and performs complete physical examinations as scheduled or required. Performs general patient examinations related to the patient's stated medical problems to establish diagnosis and develop an appropriate care plan. Requests appropriate laboratory and radiological procedures related to patient's condition to assist in diagnostic assessment. Interprets results as appropriate with review of physician. Requests appropriate therapeutic phamacological regimes related to the patient's diagnosis and condition and instructs patient and family regarding medication and treatment instructions. Performs routine therapeutic procedures including injections; care of superficial wounds and burns; removal of foreign bodies from skin; application and removal of sutures and casts; and other procedures as appropriate. Recognizes and evaluates situations, which call for immediate attention of primary care physician and institutes, when necessary, treatment procedures essential for the life of the patient. Instructs and counsels patients regarding their physical and mental health including diet, social habits, family planning, normal growth and development, aging, and long-term management and understanding of patient's disease. In conjunction with physician, manages follow-up care by phone or office visits. Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs. Templates or dictates clearly patient progress notes and diagnostic orders for continuity of patient care. Performs independent evaluation and treatment procedures in emergencies. Competent within scope of practice for care of all ages of patient (infant, pediatric, adult, geriatric). Note: This is a partial listing of key job areas. For a complete job description, please contact HR.