The Advanced Practice Nurse works within a collaborative practice agreement to provide advanced nursing care for patients in the acute care setting.  In collaboration with the physician and other health care team members, the APN plans and coordinates care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.  As a clinical expert, the APN implements individualized treatment plans, evaluates outcomes, modifies treatment plans as needed, coordinates care for complex patients, provides patient education, and facilitates discharge planning for patients on his/her respective service line. 

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:

It is the obligation of each employee of Endeavor Health to abide by and promote the mission and values of the system to ensure that excellent services are delivered with compassion.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except those that begin with the word "May.")

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.  This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.

Assessment/Diagnosis/Outcomes Identification

• Initiates and interprets diagnostic tests and procedures relevant to the patient’s current status.

• Utilizes complex data and information obtained during interview, examination, and diagnostic procedures in identifying diagnosis.

• Identifies expected outcomes that incorporate cost and clinical effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and continuity and consistency among providers.

Planning/Implementation/Evaluation

• Develops strategies to meet the needs of complex patients.  Incorporates patients’ values and beliefs within the plan of care.
• Performs case management duties on corresponding clinical service toward targeted patient care and appropriate resource utilization goals and targets.
• Identifies patient and family needs as it relates to continuity and efficiency of care.

• Facilitates communication by acting as a liaison between physician consultants, other healthcare team members, the patient and family to provide integrated care across the continuum.
• Prescribes specific pharmacological agents and/or treatments based on clinical indicators, the patient’s status and needs, and the results of diagnostic and laboratory tests.
• Provides ongoing education to patients and families regarding their plan of care.

• Evaluates effectiveness of the interventions and plan of care and recommends changes as appropriate.

• Develops innovative solutions for patient care problems that address effective resource utilization and maintenance of quality.

Research/Quality

• Participates in the design and implementation of protocols, order sets and other clinical improvement tools.
• Fosters evidence-based practice in nursing by integrating nursing research results into practice and promoting the use of clinical, educational and managerial research findings.
• Promotes process improvement by identifying improvement opportunities, leading quality initiatives, and implementing change.
• Actively participates in research/performance improvement activities.

Staff Development/Education

• Models expert practice to the healthcare team.  Serves as a clinical expert/resource to staff with respect to patient care.  Problem solves with staff to aid in the development of critical thinking skills.
• In collaboration with the staff educators, prepares and conducts formal continuing education programs related for nursing staff.
• Maintains clinical expertise through participation in their professional organization, ongoing education and up to date with current literature.
• Mentors nursing staff and provides informal staff education and role modeling.  Encourages staff to participate in rounds, to voice questions and concerns, and to articulate the plan of care.

Professionalism/Leadership

• Engages in a formal process seeking feedback regarding one’s own practice from patients, peers, professional colleagues, and others.
• Initiates and revises protocols or guidelines to reflect evidence-based practice, to reflect accepted changes in care management, or to address emerging problems.
• Promotes communication of information and advancement of the profession through writing, publishing, and presentations for professional or lay audiences.
• Supports organizational and administrative initiatives to achieve department and organizational goals related to patient safety, clinical excellence, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, financial performance and shared leadership.
• Coordinates daily patient needs (as appropriate) with case managers and social workers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN of MS)
• Certification in area of specialty

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Previous experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse            

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse license
• Current State of Illinois Advance Practice Nurse license and a collaborative practice agreement

A relatively high level of analytical ability is required.  Incumbents must collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to solve problems requiring a professional level of knowledge in a specific discipline and/or design relatively complex clinical or administrative systems and programs.

A relatively high level of communication skills is required in order to effectively communicate with all health care team members.

5.     Work generally consists of activities, projects, or assignments where there is considerable decision-making authority regarding procedures, plans and schedules.

Benefits:

• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options, including Domestic Partner Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking at designated locations
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities