Advance Practice Nurse

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for assessing and managing the health and well-being of patients.  Conducts extensive patient histories and examinations; orders medications, treatments and laboratory tests; records progress notes and writes discharge plans.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:

It is the obligation of each employee of Edward Hospital & Health Services to abide by and promote the mission and values of the Corporation to ensure that excellent services are delivered with compassion.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except those that begin with the word "May.")

1.         Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.  This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.

2.         Assesses and manages healthcare and physical well-being of patients under the direction of the Supervising Physician.  Conducts medical histories and patient examinations, deemed appropriate by the Supervising Physician and in keeping with the Physician Assistant's education, training and experience.  Assists emergency physicians by conducting patient re-assessments, with the required documentation countersigned by the Supervising Physician as defined in this policy.

3.         Reviews laboratory and diagnostic test results, evaluates condition of patient, and assists in the preparation of appropriate treatment plan as necessary.  Reports evaluation to the Supervising Physician, and collaborates with physician in difficult and/or complex patient situations.

4.         Instructs patients and families in proper healthcare, appropriate illness prevention measures, and home care in accordance with patient's physical condition and the Supervising Physician's plan of treatment.

5.         Ensures appropriate documentation of patient related information is included in the medical record.  Dictates patient evaluation, progress notes, etc. as necessary, to be countersigned by the Supervising Physician as defined in this policy.

6.         Responds to complex questions from patients and family members, directs same to sources of additional information, and allays fears and apprehensions when possible.  Acts as a resource to staff.

7.         Performs routine therapeutic procedures, such as laceration repair, abscess drainage, wound debridement, intravenous access, splint application, and suture removal.  May assist in other procedures, in accordance with the Supervising Physician's clinical privileges and the Physician Assistant's education, training, and experience.

8.         Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature, attends related seminars, conferences and the like. 

9.         Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1.         Required Education and/or Experience:

• Graduation from an approved Physician Assistant Program
• Minimum two years’ experience practicing in an Emergency Department (preferred) or Immediate Care setting. [Note that experience during training will not be counted as experience practicing.]

2.         Required License and/or Certification:

• Current State of Illinois Physician Assistant licensure

• Certification issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Current CPR Certification issued by either American Heart Association or Red Cross