Advanced Practice Nurse

Provides comprehensive acute and chronic patient care to include performing surgical procedures, primary care and outpatient care. 

Assess patient health status and determine appropriate diagnostic/therapeutic needs. 

Document patient information using various formats in the patient and office record. 

Educate patient and families as appropriate for procedures and inpatient/outpatient care.  Ensures continuity of patient care to include patient confidentiality. 

Assess patient health status to medical office, to include wound care, patient records and communication with the healthcare facility. 

Consults and communicate with physicians, staff and other members of the healthcare team during regular and on-call hours to facilitate appropriate and comprehensive patient care. 

Act as a positive liaison for the physicians, hospital, office and community at large.

Current Texas Department of Nurse Practitioner License.

Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Meets the licensing and certification requirements set forth by the Texas Board of Medical Examiners for Advance Practice Nurse’s. 

Current prescriptive authority authorization from the BME and BNE (DPS/DEA as applicable).

Certification to practice as an Advance Practice Nurse as outline by certification programs and state law.

ACLS and PALS strongly desired.

Two years of applicable clinical experience preferred. 

Preferential consideration is given to APN with strong Critical Care Experience.

Good critical thinking skills. 

Satisfactory completion of all required hospital orientation processes.   

Performs physical examination and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination. Utilizes established protocols for the evaluation and treatment of patients. Performs focused history and physical examinations of patients as per protocol. Compiles data from history and physical examination to determine a plan of care.

Administers or orders diagnostic test, such as X-ray, laboratory tests, EKG, and interprets test results for deviations from normal. Orders appropriate radiology and laboratory tests to assist in the correct diagnosis. Interprets laboratory and radiology findings appropriately.  Notes deviations from normal. Consults with the physician on those findings that may require referral. Responsible for the appropriate follow-up of radiology interpretations and laboratory results.

Performs therapeutic procedures, such as injections, wound care, incision and drainage, aspirations, and managing infection. Safely and skillfully performs procedures outlined in protocol. Performs only those procedures authorized to perform. Directs and provides education and instruction for the patient concerning post operative care, and wound dressings. Includes allied health professional when necessary to aid in the healing process.

Consults and refers patients to primary health care providers, specialty health care providers, and emergency room physicians for those patients requiring complex treatment, complex diagnostic tests, hospitalization, or follow-up care. Consults with appropriate providers when diagnosis, treatment or interpretation of tests is in question. Directs all patients to the appropriate health care provider for follow-up and utilizes appropriate time frame for follow-up care. Refers patients to the emergency room physician that is determined to exceed the standard of care provided within scope of practice.

Prescribes medications in accordance with the rules and regulations governing limited prescriptive authority in the State of Texas. Prescribes the appropriate medications for the patient’s diagnosis and condition. Informs the patient of side effects and instructs the patient in administration of the medication. Maintains the required certification, CEUs, and notification forms directed by law for limited prescriptive authority. Consults with physician for those medications requiring physician signature or approval per protocol.

Develops and implements patient management plans, records examination, diagnostics, plan of care, and treatment in accordance with the protocol and United Regional policy. Documents history and complaint and appropriate physical findings. Documents laboratory finding and radiology interpretations. Documents plan of care to include treatment. Documents consultations and referrals. Provides and documents appropriate discharge advice and follow-up/or after care instructions.

Instructs and counsels patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimes, normal growth and development, disease process, family planning, emotional problems of daily living and health maintenance. Provides appropriate discharge advice and follow-up concerning condition and medications.

Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.