NURSE PRACTITIONER

PURPOSE: To participate as a member of the CVHS health care provider staff in making high quality health care readily available to residents of the CVHS service area at a reasonable cost.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provides comprehensive nursing care and medical care as required; assesses the physical and emotional needs of patients (and their families when indicated); plans the delivery of specific health care services and makes certain that required care is provided.

Provides medical treatment and advice to patients as may be indicated. Secures case history and related pertinent information. Examines patients, utilizes laboratory and x-ray diagnostic tests, interprets findings for differential diagnosis; diagnoses ailment(s) and performs necessary treatment, carrying out such follow-up treatment as may be medically indicated. Refers for consultation to medical, surgical or other health services those patients he/she is not qualified to treat or for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment procedures.

Prescribes and/or dispenses required medications per protocol and state licensure limitations.

Directs, organizes and participates in preventive health programs such as immunizations, disease detection and disease prevention activities as assigned by the Clinical Director.

Adheres to the provisions in his/her CVHS contract.

Assists all CVHS health professionals to function according to their professional standard of practice.

Abides by the CVHS Bylaws and Principles of Practice.

Maintains high standards of personal and professional behavior in connection with his/her position at CVHS.

Maintains a good program of continuing professional education to keep his/her medical knowledge and professional competence at an acceptable level as determined by the Director of Medical Services.

Works to provide thorough and good health maintenance education to patients independently and in collaboration with the CVHS Patient Educator, physicians and indicated others. This may involve instructing local community groups when requested by the Director of Medical Services.

Participates in quality assurance programs and in planning, instituting, evaluating and revising health care programs at the CVHS.

Consults promptly with the collaborating physician when confronted with problems beyond competence or established guidelines.

Keeps complete and orderly medical records of patients in an easy to follow problem oriented format.

Performs administrative, supervisory and teaching duties within scope of competence as directed by the Director of Medical

Attends work as scheduled.

Performs other reasonable duties in conjunction with their position at CVHS as directed by the Director of Medical Services.

Supports a team-based approach to patient-centered medical care.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrates competence in performing essential job functions.

Certification by the American Nurses Association or another respected and appropriate authority as an Adult, Family or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Previous experience as an RN in public health or community health nursing or home health nursing.

Preferred two years experience as a Nurse Practitioner.

Able to function well with physicians, nurses and other health care providers.

Pleasant, positive personality.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Strong interest in continuing professional education and professional development.

Concern for patient confidentiality.

Able to deal effectively with hostile or otherwise uncooperative patients.

Sensitive to the administrative needs of supervising physicians and other CVHS personnel.

Able to maintain good, professional demeanor even in very difficult circumstances.

Ability to work some after-hours or on-call coverage.

Ability to work without on-site physician supervision.

Commitment to rural living.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Licensed as a RN in the State of Virginia.

Graduate of an approved program of instruction for Adult, Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioners.

Certification as an Adult, Family or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner if required by the State of Virginia.