JOB TITLE: Nurse Practitioner

 GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:  Responsible for providing primary care services, including assessing and managing patients in the clinic following established standards and practices.

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to Supervising Physician.

 SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs a complete physical exam, obtains complete medical history and records findings. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Interprets and integrates data to determine preliminary diagnosis and therapeutic plan.

1. Administers medications and injections in compliance with state law and clinic guidelines. Sutures minor lacerations.

1. Instructs patient/family regarding medications and treatments. Educates patients regarding health and illness prevention. Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs.

1. Collaborates with physicians in managing acute and long-term medical needs of patients. Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. Maintains and reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information.  Posts tests and examination results.  Triages patient telephone calls and provides consultation.

1. Maintains patient confidentiality.

The job holder must demonstrate competencies applicable to job position.

EDUCATION: BSN, MSN preferred.  Successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner program.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three years of professional nursing experience in a clinic setting plus two years of nurse practitioner experience is preferred.

REQUIREMENTS: Current state RN license.

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices and regulations to give and evaluate patient care.

1. Knowledge of how to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.

1. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish/maintain a safe work environment.

SKILLS:

1. Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing to provide ongoing patient care.

1. Skill in taking medical histories to assess medical condition and interpret findings.

ABILITIES:

1. Ability to maintain quality control standards.

1. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

1. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.

1. Ability to communicate clearly and establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Combination of exam rooms and medical offices.  Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time.  Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 10 pounds.  Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  Requires working under stress in emergency situations and irregular hours.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provides direct patient care.

       - Completes histories and physicals.

       - Provides acute and chronic care according to protocol.

       - Monitors effective therapy. 

       - Triages patient phone calls to facilitate patient care delivery.

       - Responds to medical emergencies including CPR.

1. Communicates effectively with colleagues, patients, physicians and administration.

       - Demonstrates positive and effective verbal communication skills with patients,

          families and co-workers.

• Demonstrates effective written communication skills.

1. - Documents clearly and concisely.

       - Documents clinical information in the patient record.

       - Maintains, interprets and applies basic clinical practice statistics.

1. Educates patients and families.
2. Provides staff education formally and informally.
3. Demonstrates efficient management of time and resources.
4. Adheres to practice standards and PA code of ethics.
5. Utilizes and conducts research/inquiry appropriate to clinical setting.
6. Provides leadership.

       - Serves as a role model and resource.

       - Attends and participates in required meetings.

       - Formulates appropriate professional goals.

       - Evaluates goal attainment and revises goals on an on-going basis.

       - Acts as a patient advocate by maintaining patient confidentiality.

1. Maintains a current level of clinical practice by selecting appropriate avenues for

       professional growth and maintains a minimum of 100 hours of continuing medical

       education credits every 2 years to achieve recertification requirements.

1. Accesses and retrieves patient information from a computer.
2. Adheres to and enforces Hanover Family Practice Associates Administrative and

      Departmental policies and procedures.

Non-essential Functions:

1. Participate in staff meetings as necessary
2. Perform administrative tasks as requested
3. Maintain professional development and licensure through continuing education credits
4. Develop/maintain good working relationships with fellow staff
5. May be asked to Serve as a member of a committee that enhances the quality of patient

    care and practice.

1. Belongs to a professional organization.
2. Performs all other duties as assigned.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.