Mental Health APP (PA or NP)

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an independent health care provider, who, working collaboratively with the physician, is responsible for providing comprehensive care to both well and ill patients. The NP educated patients and / or their families in order to promote wellness, prevent health problems, maintain current health, and intervene in acute or chronic illness, The NP seeks opportunities for professional growth through participation in continuing education seminars, journals, and discussions with the collaborative physician.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND / OR LICENSURE :

1. Graduate of a CCNE accredited nursing program with Master’s degree in Nursing

2. Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a professional Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in West Virginia, or state in which services are provided

3. National Certification by one of the recognized APRN certification centers

4. BLS Certification required with additional Advanced Life Support training at the discretion of the department.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

EXPERIENCE :

1.Two years of related clinical experience (professional).

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position.They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties.Other duties may be assigned.

1. Establishes medical diagnoses; orders, and evaluates diagnostic studies; performs and monitors therapeutic procedures; assesses and / or manages follow-up plans.

2. Conduct comprehensive and episodic health assessment of patient families with real or potential, acute, and / or chronic health problems, which may include psychosocial, cognitive, and personal assets and limitations of the patient family, with an emphasis on wellness. The assessment is specific to the age and development of the patient.

3. Practitioner prescribes medications independently as allowed by WV state law. For medications required by patients that are not allowed to be prescribed by the practitioner, a referral is made to an appropriate physician specialist.

4. Records and documents health appraisal data necessary to maintain, coordinate, and / or expedite required services.

5. Assumes responsibility and accountability for time management, professional relationships, and interpersonal interactions.

6. Acts as a resource to staff and implements educational programs to improve management of patient’s families.

7. Maintains and enhances a current level of knowledge relative to professional practice, as well as continuing education are maintained and transferred as required when patients are referred.

8. Participates in the development, execution, and periodic review of the written policies of the clinic.

9. Provides services in accordance with the policies of the clinic.

10. Arranges for or refers patients to, needed services that cannot be provided at the clinic.

11. Assures that adequate patient health records are maintained.

12. Participates in periodic review of patient’s health records.

13. Adheres to facility Compliance Plan.

14. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

15. Demonstrates an awareness of self, responsibility, and accountability for own Professional practice.

16. Maintain current CPR certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Walking and standing most of the time on duty.

2. Occasional lifting of patients with assistance.

3. Frequent reaching, handling, and fingering of instruments and equipment while caring for patient’s needs.

4. Hearing to distinguish differences in heartbeat and breathing of patients.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Standard outpatient clinical setting.

2. Will at times be exposed to communicable diseases (OSHA category 1-2 for exposure to blood and body fluids.)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

1. Verbal ability is necessary to understand patient’s charts, doctor’s orders, nursing care plan, medication orders, and the ability to communicate with patients and staff.

2. Motor coordination and manual dexterity are necessary to coordinate hands, eyes, and fingers in administering medications, treatments, using clinical instruments, and handling patients.

3. Clerical perception is required to prepare records and charts.

4.Training and ability to care for all ages of patients from Pediatric, adolescent thru Geriatrics receiving care within the scope of service of the Rural Health Clinic & Hospice.