Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Taos Surgical Services

POSITION SUMMARY:

The APC reports directly to the Physician Practice Manager and works under the clinical supervision of a physician or possibly another APC. The APC provides medical and nursing care to patients referred to the surgical and urology practice of HCMC. Working in partnership with the surgeons and urologist, the APC is required to assess the health status of patients, establish goals to meet the identified healthcare needs, and participate in the development and implementation of a patient’s plan of care. The APC educates patients and families regarding the patient’s health status, medications, interventions and treatments, available resources, and follow-up care. The APC coordinates the testing and treatment of patients with the surgeons and urologist and other HCMC departments or outside healthcare facilities. The APC delivers a comprehensive experience for the patients through anticipating their needs while supporting the delivery of care.

Acting as a Taos Surgical Specialties APC, the APC is responsible for evaluating and treating patients, providing post procedural care on the Inpatient and Outpatient services. Should have basic knowledge of the physiology and anatomy male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. The APC works synergistically with practitioners and management to develop the surgical and urology business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

APC

· Demonstrated expertise in urology and surgical care.

· Performs care for patients in accordance with the applicable New Mexico Practice Acts/Guidelines and HCMC and TPS policies and procedures.

· Knowledgeable regarding all aspects of APC scope of practice.

· Prepares for patient appointments by obtaining outside medical records, ancillary test reports or other records as designated by physician or APC.

· Must have excellent customer service skills. Utilizes AIDET throughout the patient care encounter.

· Assesses the health status of patients through interviews and examination. Obtains and documents accurate and complete vital signs and patient chief concerns. Gathers medications, pertinent medical, family, and social history, and accurately documents all information in the patient’s medical chart.

· Ensures all patient documentation is completed and entered into the EHR in a timely manner, in advance of patient appointments. Completes all charting prior to the end of business each day.

· Participates in the development and modification of the patient’s plan of care.

· Educates patients and families regarding their specific urology problems, management, and symptom monitoring.

· Assists physicians in preparing and conducting office procedures and giving injections.

· Provides post-operative performing appropriate follow-up based on surgical procedure performed.

· Will monitor and prescribe medications (as regulated by the state of practice).

· Reviews medical necessity for acquiring data, testing and communicating information to patient or guarantor and obtaining necessary signatures.

· Coordinates follow-up care including the tracking of tests and treatments.

· Assists in obtaining prior authorizations for procedures.

· Help to review and interpret laboratory and imaging test results to patients.

· Educate and inform patients of appropriate disease prevention and control.

· Provides telephonic triage or requested support and/or virtual monitoring. Offers subsequent recommendations, education, or care advice using decision-making tools, clinical judgment, and defined workflows. Escalates all concerns to treating physician.

Other Responsibilities

· Working with other clinic staff, ensures exam rooms are clean and stocked with adequate medical supplies, maintains instruments and prepares sterilization as required.

· Engages in daily huddles with urologist. Brings forward information to improve the delivery of patient care. Collaborates with practitioners, office staff and coordinator/director to resolve patient concerns, improve workflow, and meet quality measures.

· Respects and maintains patient confidentiality at all times. Communicates effectively and courteously with and demonstrates a caring attitude toward patients and family.

· Participates in the orientation and training of new team members.

· Maintains flexibility to provide clinical support to other service lines if urology responsibilities or related patient volumes allow.

· Follows universal precautions, OSHA standards and HIPAA regulations.

· Reviews and adheres to HCMC and TPS policies and procedures.

· Helps to order and maintains inventory for urology and related office medical supplies. Communicates variances to coordinator.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

· Current, unrestricted NM APC license required and maintained current throughout employment.

· Graduate from an accredited Acute Care or Family APC Master’s Program

· Board Certification: Board certified

· ACLS/BLS American Heart Association Certification

· At least 2 years of experience in Surgery or Urology or 4 years of experience as a Nurse required for consideration.

· Evidence of continuing education and self-development to support license requirements.

 Skills:

· Possess strong professional, personable, and motivational personality that builds strong relationships with patients.

· Strong knowledge and interest in current techniques, advancements, and trends in the field of urology.

· Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word and Outlook and familiarity with electronic health record systems.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with practice leadership, physicians, advanced practitioners, colleagues, and other HCMC and TPS team members.

· Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively interact with all members of the care team, and with patients and family members.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.