Under the direct supervision of a collaborative physician, physician site leader, and practice manager, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides medical care to patients within a detailed scope of practice. The scope of practice identifies the range of clinical modalities and protocols agreed upon between the NP and collaborative physician. Within the ambulatory care setting, under the collaborative physician and scope of practice, the NP completes physicals; orders diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: e.g., laboratory, x-ray, EKG, etc.; performs therapeutic procedures such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management; prescribes medications; instructs and educates patients and their families in proper healthcare, appropriate illness prevention, and home care; and documents in the patient chart progress notes, orders, etc. These aforementioned responsibilities are performed under the scope of practice to optimize clinical outcomes. The NP must be credentialed as a mid-level provider by same Hospital(s) in which the collaborative physician has admitting privileges.
Definitions:
Collaborative Agreement: A detailed document stipulating the practitioner's qualifications for continuing to act in the role as an NP, continuing education requirements, practitioner supervision by the collaborative physician, practitioner autonomy regarding medical decisions and prescriptive authority, and general relationship with others in the practice.
Collaborative Physician: Medical Doctor supervising the practitioner.
Scope of Practice: Detailed scope of medical practice that is performed by the practitioner based on professional license, competence, and education and training, including range of patients treated, procedures performed, prescriptive authority, screenings, and listing of physician directed procedures.
NOTE: The Hospital based collaborative agreement and scope of practice must accompany this Job Description.
The Journeys and Adventures that Await:
**Depending on Practice Site Requirements, scope of practice, and the NP's education, training, and experience, an incumbent in this position may not perform all the key responsibilities listed below. However, it is expected that at least 80% of the responsibilities are performed for this job. Travel to other sites may be required.
- Patient Examinations and Treatment
Performs and records complete physical examinations, as needed to evaluate a specific health problem, including a history and physical. Analyzes and interprets data, formulates presenting problems and causes, and establishes care plans for resolutions. Evaluates and treats acute minor illnesses and traumas according to established practice protocols. May assist physician with procedures or based on scope of practice, under review conduct invasive or non-invasive procedures.
- Orders Diagnostic and Therapeutic Modalities
In consultation with the collaborative physician, orders laboratory, x-ray, and/or other non-invasive diagnostic tests and procedures. Initiates referrals to appropriate physician or other health care professional of problems that exceed the NPs scope of practice.
Prescribes medications as determined under scope of practice with collaborative physician oversight and mid-level practitioner controlled substance license
- Patient and Family Education
Instructs patients and families in proper healthcare, appropriate illness prevention measures, and home care in accordance with practice protocols and patient's physical condition. Adjusts communication and instruction to the patient's age, psycho-social, and cultural needs to obtain optimal health outcomes.
Depending on scope of practice and hospital requirements, may make daily rounds of hospitalized patients under supervision and communication with the collaborative physician. May be expected to contribute to care discussions and provide consultation to patients, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to improve clinical care. Provides updates back to physician.
Ensures appropriate documentation of patient-related information is in the medical chart, including discharge summaries and instructions.
**Performs all other duties/responsibilities as assigned as dictated under scope of practice.
