Description

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for either a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner to work in our Rube Walker Blood Center (RWBC) with a focus on patients who are receiving apheresis or hematologic procedures. RWBC is an apheresis unit and infusion suite (for blood products and IVIG). The apheresis unit performs stem cell and CAR-T cell collections, CAR-T infusions, photopheresis, and therapeutic apheresis (plasma exchange, red blood cell exchange, and leukoreduction). The advanced practice provider (APP) is responsible for inpatient and outpatient apheresis consults: this includes communicating and coordinating plan with the requesting service, obtaining history and physical exam of the patient, providing teaching for patient/ family and obtaining informed consent, developing a treatment plan, and writing orders for the apheresis procedure, communicating the treatment plan with the RWBC nursing staff, and monitoring for complications related to procedure.

Schedule: 3x12s; Clinic hours are M-F (7:30a-8p) rotating schedule; rotating on call schedule with a minimum of one weekend of call coverage per month. Possible holiday on-call coverage.

The APP is responsible for daily assessment of patients in the unit that are undergoing stem cell and CAR-T cell collection to ensure they are medically suitable for collection. They also address any symptoms and medical issues that arise during the time of the collection. For patients undergoing infusion in the suite, the APP may be called to assess and treat a patient if they are having symptoms or a reaction during the infusion. The APP will also be involved in clinical trials conducted in RWBC which would include meeting with investigators and study staff to determine apheresis needs for the clinical trial, and then educating and communicating with RWBC staff the specific requirements of the clinical trial. 

The APP will spend approximately 25% inpatient (consults) and 75% outpatient, with a fair amount of independence. Prescribes medications, diet, supplies according to clinical privileges. Temporary practice (license pending) does not include prescriptive authority. Orders and follows-up appropriate laboratory tests, X-rays, EKG's, and diagnostic procedures specified in clinical privileges. Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care. Teaches and counsel patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, plan of care, anticipated outcomes, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Documents in the medical record all care provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible. Refers to other disciplines as appropriate. Directs and operates nurse-administered clinics designed to serve stable patients. Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise. Professional, Demonstrates the following professional attributes: Integrates research-based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making. Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner, and presentation. Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, the community, and nursing profession. Maintains advanced certification and continuing education as required by the Illinois Nursing and Advanced Nursing Practice Act. Assumes a leadership role in professional activities and organizations. Advances the profession through presentations and publications. Leadership/Organization, Serves as a patient advocate and role model for 'Patients First'. Mentors staff to ensure quality of health care practices. Assists with policy development and review in area of expertise. Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces. Consults with management in assessment, problem solving, decision making, and evaluating clinical/system issues. Education, Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families. Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff. Serves as a role model and preceptor for undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to their area of specialty. Provides formal orientation and education of nursing staff and students pertinent to their area of specialty. Actively participates in research pertinent to their area of expertise. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
• Privileged and credentialed through the NMH Medical Staff Office (MSO)
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation – BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 
• Minimum of one 1 year of experience as a PA. If a new grad NP, would be considered if they worked previously as an apheresis RN, otherwise a minimum of one (1) year of experience is required as an APN.

Preferred:

• 2 years of Hematology or Apheresis experience

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.