ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Collaborates with the General Surgeon in establishing/reviewing protocols for managing critical, acute, and long-term medical needs of patients

2. Performs a physical exam, obtains a medical history, and records findings.  Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures.  Interprets and integrates data to determine preliminary diagnoses and therapeutic plans. 

3. Provides medical services and health education to adult and geriatric patients under the direction of the vascular surgeon.

4. Performs necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures according to approved protocols developed with and under the supervision of the general surgeon which may include the following but is not limited to the following:  securing, recording, and evaluating the health psychosocial and developmental history of patients, ordering laboratory and x-ray studies, carrying out prescription drug orders under protocols, management of common or chronic illnesses, referrals, etc.  Employee documents the process of critical and acute care delivery and procedures.

5. Administers or gives orders to nursing support to administer medications and injections in compliance with state law and hospital guidelines.

8. Functions as a patient advocate, conducts follow-up care and coordinates care with other healthcare providers, and makes appropriate referrals for continuity of care.

9. Maintains accurate and complete medical records in a timely fashion.

10. Demonstrates effective AIDET skills with patients, families, and guests.

11. Provides education counseling that will enhance patient care and preventative knowledge.

13. Responsible for supporting staff in providing quality care and promoting quality outcomes.

14. Supports and guides a working environment that stays current with research and guidelines in critical and acute care medicine.

15. Performs related responsibilities as required or directed and remains on-site until the employee’s assigned patient care duties have been completed.

17. Practice the profession using evidence-based practices; standardized protocols and order sets; appropriate utilization of resources; and coordinator of care to achieve the most appropriate length of stay.

18. Daily planning and coordinating care with all members of the health care team to assure maximum quality and efficiency, including daily coordination with the multi-disciplinary care team, including other team members, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, nursing, and various other departments of the hospital.

19. Perform such other administrative and clinical duties related to the delivery of services as may be reasonably requested by the vascular surgeon from time to time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• BSN and Master's Degree in Nursing with successful completion of a Nurse Practitioner Specialty as approved by the state of Tennessee. Or Master of Physician Assistant Studies

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, AND CERTIFICATION:

• RN License, APN Certification for FNP, and ACLS certification.
• Current DEA license
• PA License
• Responsible for Continuing Education units annually

EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Function to the full extent of the scope of practice, as determined by the educational program and national board certification, in conjunction with state licensure requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively and productively in a team environment with a diverse set of employees, patients, and families.
• Process computer skills sufficient to conduct word processing for document development and patient record documentation.
• Must successfully complete a period of internship and training as prescribed by the Department of Medicine.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Daily contact with employees and management in all areas of the clinic, hospital, and other outpatient services.  Must be able to effectively communicate in a cooperative manner.
• Contributes to a positive work environment and the overall team effort of the department.
• Frequent contact with physicians, patients, patients’ family members, and community agencies to coordinate and provide educational opportunities to patients and their families.

DIRECTION/SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must provide supervision for clinical support staff that works directly with the patient as established by clinic guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 30 pounds periodically throughout the shift.
• Must be able to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit in one place, squat, and kneel periodically throughout the shift.
• Must be able to reach, bend and twist periodically throughout the shift.
• Must be able to react quickly in emergencies.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Subject to exposure to communicable diseases and biohazard materials.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Understands and adheres to West Tennessee Healthcare’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Works well under pressure.
• Assumes responsibility for insuring continued professional growth.
• The employee is expected to adhere to all WTH policies and procedures.