Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Description

Position Summary

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physican Assistant (PA) reports to and under the guidance of the Site Medical Director and collaborating physician, in accordance with the Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards. The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant provides nursing and/or medical services to individuals, families, and groups emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, and the evaluation and management of acute and chronic diseases.  

Essential Functions

• Assesses the health status of patients by obtaining a relevant medical and health history and performing a physical exam based on age and history to identify any problems and/or needs of the patient. 
• Establishes priorities and devises a mutually acceptable plan of care to maximize the health potential of the individual by ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, identifying appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and developing a client education plan, according to protocols established by HHS. 
• Conducts and interprets diagnostic tests, prescribes non-pharmacologic therapies, provides relevant patient education to the individual and/or family, and makes referrals to other appropriate health professionals and community agencies. 
• Maintains a process for systematic follow-up by determining the effectiveness of the plan of care through documentation of client outcomes; reassessing and modifying the care plan as necessary to achieve medical and health goals; and maintaining accurate, legible, and confidential records. 
• Participates in periodic quality assurance review, including systematic review of records and treatment plans. 
• Functions as a role model and preceptor for nurse practitioner students completing a formal education program. 
• Participates as a team member in providing medical and health care and interfacing with professional colleagues to provide comprehensive care.  
• Participates in HHS’s collaborative projects as appropriate. 
• Participates in HHS’s peer review program. 
• Updates patients’ records and changes in health status daily. 
• Maintains current knowledge by attending educational programs and maintains certification in compliance with current state law. 
• Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with patients, family members, department personnel, and outside agencies.  
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality. 
• Supports and participates in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes; increase patient satisfaction, and improve the utilization of HHS’s human, capital, and physical resources. 
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services. 
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.  
• Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels. 
• Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice. 
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Requirements

• Required 1-2 years’ experience work experience as a Nurse Practitioner or Physican Assistant.  
• Requires an advanced professional level of knowledge of and theory which can be acquired by completion and licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physican Assistant. 
• Current State license as a Registered Nurse and licensed Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant, and current DEA license. 
• Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  
• Ability to demonstrate the principles of growth and development as well as the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the patient population served. 
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to educate patients and their families and provide emotional support during a crisis; deal effectively with physicians; and provide training and education to residents, medical students, and nurses. 
• Strong analytical ability to assess condition of patient based on physical examination, and appearance and laboratory and related clinical data; develop patient care plans and monitor progress toward goals; and recognize and initiate emergency interventions as appropriate. 
• Basic Microsoft Word and Excel knowledge preferred but not required. 
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) experience preferred but not required.