Nurse Practitioner

Job Purpose

The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant functions as an independent healthcare provider who, working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team, is responsible for providing comprehensive care to both well and ill patients in an outpatient setting.

The provider demonstrates a high degree of clinical expertise in working with patients with acute and chronic illnesses commonly encountered in adults as well as children.

The provider is responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, education, health promotion and care coordination for patients and families with acute and chronic health needs.

The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant demonstrates an advanced level of medical/nursing clinical knowledge, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, professionalism and systems-based practice.

The provider works with administrative, nursing and physician to assure safe, effective, quality patient care and to promote the mission of OHCC.

Essential Job Functions Including, But Not Limited To

1. Satisfies Core Competencies

• Accepts responsibility for ensuring that performance meets the standards of the professional, ethical and relevant department mrequirements and OHCC core values.
• The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant will provide care within their scope of practice as outlined by applicable state law, licensing, regulations, institutional policy and practice agreements.

2. Clinical Knowledge

• Demonstrates knowledge of etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, presentation and epidemiology of medical conditions.
• Performs history and physical assessments of patients that are accurate, complete, concise, relevant and appropriate for age, gender and clinical problem.
• Orders appropriate diagnostic studies and correctly interpret the results.
• Utilizes critical thinking to synthesize and analyze collected data.
• Develops implements, evaluates and alters the plan of care as needed.
• Manages general medical and surgical conditions based on knowledge of the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities.
• Counsels and educates patients and families.
• Demonstrates proficiency in procedural skills pertinent to practice area.
• Maintains accurate, complete, concise and timely documentation in the electronic record

3. Patient Care

• Provides care that is patient and family centered, compassionate, appropriate and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness and treatment of disease throughout the lifespan.
• Facilitates consistent, coordinated care and clear communication among all members of the healthcare team.
• Incorporates the patient and family in care planning and treatment across settings.
• Serves as an advocate for patients and families in navigating the health care system
• Responds to medical and behavioral emergencies in the health center

4. Quality and Clinical Improvement

• Demonstrates insight into own strengths, limitations and knowledge deficits.
• Demonstrates initiative to meet identified learning needs using multiple resources.
• Actively participates in self-evaluation by seeking and utilizing guidance and constructive feedback in a professional manner.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for clinical advancement and knowledge and skill attainment.
• Considers cost effectiveness and risk/benefit analysis when making decisions about patient care.
• Uses evidenced-based medicine to systematically analyze and improve patient care practices.
• Participates in quality initiative/performance activities.
• Participates in development, evaluates and implements standards of care within area of specialization (policies, protocols, etc).

5. Communication and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians, other health professionals and health related agencies.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.
• Communicates effectively with patients and families, incorporating gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities and sexual orientation.

6. Professionalism

• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality, informed consent and unanticipated adverse outcomes.
• Demonstrates the highest level of accountability for professional practice.
• Participates in education of students and other health care professionals.
• Maintains effectiveness where circumstances and priorities are changing. Is flexible, resilient and change oriented.
• Welcomes and participates in opportunities to advance the mission of OHCC through service, scholarship, science and social responsibility.
• Participates in organizational and departmental meetings, educational opportunities, committees and workgroups as necessary.

Required Education

• Unrestricted license to practice in the State of Louisiana

Skills, Licensure and Knowledge Requirements

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Light to moderate lifting is required

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i. e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Travel or Special Requirements

Driving during the workday as well as local or out of state travel may be required to perform job duties.