APP Emergency Department

General Description:  

An Advanced Practice Provider (APP), which includes physician assistants (P.A.-C) and nurse practitioners (N.P.) as an independent healthcare provider working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health team to provide comprehensive care to patients in a dual role of outpatient and/or inpatient setting. Responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, education, health promotion and care coordination for patients and families with acute and chronic health needs. Works with administrative, nursing, physician, and university faculty to assure safe, effective, quality patient care and to promote OU Health's educational and research missions. Provides care within their scope of practice as outlined by applicable state law, licensing, regulations, and institutional policy and practice agreements.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position.

Essential Responsibilities:

Clinical: Performs history and physical assessments of patients that are accurate, complete, concise, relevant and appropriate for age, gender and clinical problem.  Orders appropriate diagnostic studies and correctly interprets results.  Develops, implements, evaluates, and alters the plan of care as needed.  Maintains accurate, complete, concise and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.

Patient Care: Provides care that is patient and family centered, compassionate, appropriate and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness and treatment of disease throughout the lifespan.  Facilitates consistent, coordinated care and clear communication among all members of the healthcare team.  Incorporates the patient and family in care planning and treatment across settings.  Considers cost effectiveness and risk/benefit analysis when making decisions about patient care.  Uses evidenced-based medicine to systematically analyze and improve patient care practices.  Develops, evaluates, and implements standards of care within area of specialization (policies, protocols, etc.).

Research: Participates in research opportunities to advance the care and treatment of patients.

Communication: Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians, other health professionals and health related agencies.  Counsels and educates patients and families.  Serves as an advocate for patients and families in navigating the health care system.

Activities: Participates in education of students and other health care professionals.  Participates in organizational and departmental meetings, educational opportunities, committees and workgroups as necessary.  Participates in quality initiative/performance activities.  Promote interdisciplinary practice and implement strategies to overcome barriers to collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of Professional Nursing if APRN, MSN or Master's in Physician Assistant Services.
Experience: 3 or more years of experience as an Advanced Practice Provider in designated specialty preferred.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Must have prescriptive authority within 6 months of hire.

IF Nurse Practitioner:

• Active RN and APNP license in State of Oklahoma -AND-
• Certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner by the ANCC and/or the AANP

IF Physician Assistant:

• Active PA license in State of Oklahoma -AND-
• Active Physician Assistant certification issued by the NCCPA.
   

Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants must obtain the required licensure from the State of Oklahoma within 30 days after the offer of employment.

All Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant applicants must have:

• Active DEA license or ability to apply for such license prior to or upon hire -AND-
• CPR certification and Advanced Life Support certifications if relevant to practice area (ACLS, PALS, NRP).  Obtain within 90 days of employment in this position. Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Demonstrates knowledge of etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, presentation and epidemiology of medical conditions.
• Demonstrates a high degree of clinical expertise in working with patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
• Demonstrates proficiency in procedural skills pertinent to practice area.
• Demonstrates an advanced level of medical/nursing clinical knowledge, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, professionalism and systems-based practice.
• Demonstrates the highest level of accountability for the professional practice.
• Knowledge of the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities.  Manages general medical and surgical conditions.
• Ability to follow ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality, informed consent, and unanticipated adverse outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Communicates effectively with patients and families.
• Utilizes critical thinking to synthesize and analyze collected data.
• Demonstrates insight into own strengths, limitations, and knowledge deficits.
• Demonstrates initiative to meet identified learning needs using multiple resources.
• Actively participates in self-evaluation by seeking and utilizing guidance and constructive feedback in a professional manner.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for clinical advancement and knowledge and skill attainment.
• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.  Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.
• Ability to work with patients and families when a situation is emotional and intense. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to be flexible, resilient and change oriented.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
• Reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).