Gastroenterology APP-PA-C

This Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant is responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and chronic wounds, ostomies, and continence related issues. This individual is a key contributor and works collaboratively with members of the interdisciplinary care team, serving as a clinical resource and consultant for staff, physicians and patient/families. Scope of this leadership role includes clinical consultation, education, evidence-based practice and research, ensuring that patients receive wound, ostomy and incontinence care in a holistic, patient centered manner.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direct supervision of the Gastroenterology physicians and within established Catholic Medical Center departmental policies and procedures, the incumbent performs the following functions:
• Performs minor procedures at the bedside as described by the Nurse Practitioner (APRN) core privileges.
• Gathers pertinent information, interviews patients and performs physical examinations on patients within established standards of care and practice. Promptly reports this information to the physicians, formulates a differential diagnosis and plan based on this assessment.
• Write orders including diagnostic tests and medication, after consultation with the appropriate physician to accomplish a long-term plan of care.
• Dictates history, physicals and surgical consults promptly, records brief summaries in progress notes.
• Performs daily assessments of patients as directed by the physicians, to include relevant interval history, physical exam and review of objective data.
• Visits patients after procedures to assess their status, answer appropriate questions and provide emotional support to patients and family members.
• Discharges patients, write prescriptions, completes necessary paperwork and dictates discharge summaries when directed.
• Recognizes and reports relevant information that requires urgent attention.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrates courtesy, respect and caring to patients, families, physicians and coworkers and maintains professional rapport with external parties and organizations.
• Provides and promotes effective and compassionate care for patients and their families.
• Documents physical findings and patient response on appropriate testing worksheets and medical record.
• Upon completion of an abnormal noninvasive test, collaborates with surgeon to formulate an appropriate plan of care based on physical and clinical findings.
• Communicates with referring physicians to review abnormal test results. Documents all interactions in the patient's medical record.
• Contact patients with follow up information on abnormal testing, when directed by a physician. Documents all interactions in the patient's medical record.
• Contacts patients in response to questions and concerns. Documents all interactions in the patient's medical record.
• Adheres to guidelines for appropriate billing and coding all patient encounters. Promptly submits billing information.
• Provides backup for clinical emergencies when the rounding physician is not immediately available during regular daytime hours.
• Keeps knowledge base current by reading professional literature and attending educational programs.
• Assists in developing protocols and treatment plans, which improve the delivery of care to gastroenterology patients.
• Adhere to infection control, safety, and to Universal Precaution Procedures.
• Identify problems and function independently and when appropriate collaborate with others to seek resolution.
• Actively participates in staff and provider meetings.
• Participate in continuing education activities, read professional journals, maintain professional affiliations and licenses and strive to increase professional skill and knowledge.
• Evaluate own practice, goals and skills, update as needed.
• Ensures confidentiality of employee, legal, client/patient, budget and all company matters.
• Submits CME and vacation time to the supervisor in accordance with the practice guidelines which are subject to change to best meet the needs of the practice.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices to safely perform the essential functions of the job:
• Ability to deliver patient care in a manner that is appropriate to the demographics and/ or specific needs of the patient population served by the hospital.
• Demonstrates proficiency in assessing, responding and adapting treatment of care to meet the needs of the patient population served by the hospital.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to wear safety glasses, gloves, gowns, masks and other safety equipment.
• Ability to endure periods of heavy workload and stress.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Ability to plan and perform a wide variety of duties requiring general knowledge of policies and procedures. Requires considerable judgment to work independently toward general results, devising methods, modifying or adapting standard procedures to meet different conditions, also making decisions based on precedent and policy.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish a cooperative, collaborative working environment.
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and initiate appropriate actions to correct situations.
• Ability to maintain good communications. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, physicians, patients, families and the public.

OSHA RATING: Category I (Exposure to blood borne pathogens)

PHI ACCESS: Complete

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (APRN) program

Licensure/Certification:

• New Hampshire License as APRN
• Current DEA license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification