Nurse Practitioner - Urgent Care

Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is a community-based health care organization. Our programs have been recognized as national models. With a career at Lowell Community Health Center, you will be joining a dynamic team of passionate and talented people.

SUMMARY:

As a member of the healthcare team, the Nurse Practitioner participates in patient care by making assessments and helping patients manage and understand their chronic illness, acute episodes, and exacerbation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Examines and treats patients to assure continuity of care.
• Makes assessment of each patient which includes, but is not limited to, presenting problem, medical history, allergies, psycho-social problems, medications, and current living arrangement of individuals and their families.
• Reviews lab values that are abnormal and plans appropriate disposition/treatment in absence of the primary physician.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Identifies need for client/family teaching and/or referrals. Prioritizes patient needs based on assessment and patient’s verbalized areas of concern. 
• Develops a plan for teaching based on mutual goals that addresses patients assessed and stated needs.
• Participates in a multi-disciplinary approach directed toward client’s needs and care. Consults with other health care providers (i.e., case manager, family planning, etc.). Involves family members and/or significant others in plan of care, as appropriate.
• Provides care following approved protocols in a safe manner. Evaluates care provided and patient’s response to recommended course of treatment.
• Provides an opportunity to the patient, significant other, and other family members to gain knowledge about wellness, illness and rehabilitation. Explains procedures in a clear, concise manner, with sensitivity to patients’ level of understanding, culture, age and language. Documents all teaching material given to the patients, or family members including their response, comprehension, and need for further follow-up.
• Demonstrates clinical competence and professional commitment in Nursing Practice by adhering to established standards of practice and utilizing appropriate scientific principles.
• Participates in the orientation/teaching process, when requested, to assure that new employee/student will become familiar with policies, procedures, and expectations for the job role.
• Proponent of the improvement process and works cooperatively with team members in making necessary changes.
• Acts as a resource person to the healthcare team. Provides informational sessions as requested.
• Develops and maintains systems for patient educational materials and staff.

• Performs physical examinations and preventive health measures within prescribed protocols, guidelines, and instructions of Physician.
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's clinical problems and health care needs.
• Records physical findings and formulates plans and prognosis, based on patient's condition.
• Discusses case with Physician and other health professionals to prepare comprehensive patient care plan.
• Submits health care plan and goals of individual patients for periodic review and evaluation by Physician.
• Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
• Refers patients to Physician for consultation or to specialized health resources for treatment.
• Participates in quality assurance activities.
• Assumes any/all additional duties and responsibilities consistent with the aforementioned duties and responsibilities.
• Participates in Supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Nursing.
• Current Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner License Board Certification in appropriate discipline.

• Current valid and unrestricted DEA and Massachusetts Controlled Substance licensure for prescriptive authority.
• Current CPR Certificate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent standing and walking for up to 80% of the workday or shift. 
• Some lifting, pushing or pulling required up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to see and distinguish color.
• Ability to perform CPR (chest compressions).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequent contact with patients, families, visitors, nurses and other department staff.
• Occasional stress and pressure caused by multiple simultaneous demands.
• May be exposed to various infectious diseases. Universal precautions and techniques are included in orientation and the availability of protective wear is supported and encouraged when the employee is at risk for exposure.