Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physicians Assistant (PA)

JOB TITLE: Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

GENNERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Provides advanced care to patients in a clinical setting specializing in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: Physician

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs complete physical exam, obtains complete medical history and records findings.
2. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Interprets and integrates data to determine preliminary diagnosis and therapeutic plan.
3. Administers medications and injections in compliance with state law and clinic guidelines.
4. Formulates, implements and evaluates an outcome-based treatment plan.
5. Instructs patient/family regarding medications and treatments. Educates patients regarding health and illness prevention. Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs.
6. 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.
7. Position could require on call coverage and/or time in a surgical setting.
8. Maintains patient confidentiality.

KNOWLEDGE:

1. Knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices, and regulations to give and evaluate patient care.
2. Knowledge of how to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
3. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish/maintain a safe work environment.

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of an approved formal education program preparing nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

• Extensive knowledge of physical assessment, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology and management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions preferred.
• Currently licensed in the State of Louisiana as an Advanced Practice Nurse or Physician's Assistant; Certified or certification eligible by the American Nurses Association as a primary care nurse practitioner or the National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants; BCLS certification required, ACLS, NALS preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and speak intelligible English; Ability to communicate with patient, family, peers and medical personnel.
• Requires emotional stability and resilience. Must be adaptable to change, be decisive and demonstrate foresight. Exhibits organizational and leadership ability.

ENVIROMENTAL/WORKING CONDITONS: Office setting. Frequent telephone calls during the working hours. Frequent interruptions, which requires being able to hand a fast-paced work environment during entire time at work. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects. Must maintain strict confidentiality and exercise professionalism when interacting with staff, managers, supervisors, physicians, external customers, etc.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires continuous standing, bending, stretching, sitting, walking and stooping while on duty. May be required to lift 50-100 pounds. Exposure to possible Hazardous Materials/conditions and infectious diseases.