Advanced Practitioner

About the Role

Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant to provide acute care for Chronic Kidney Disease, Acute Kidney Injury, and ESRD patients in an inpatient hospital setting. The patient population is highly diverse and resource-challenged. This is an on-site, patient-facing role requiring real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical assessment and case management, including constructing and interpreting medical history, performing physical assessments, evaluating patient behavior, and interpreting laboratory tests.
• Identify problems and develop and implement treatment plans for acute, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage renal disease patients, including hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, management of pre- and post-renal biopsy orders, CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, and vascular access.
• Prescribe medications and non-pharmacologic treatments in collaboration with an MD Nephrologist.
• Coordinate care, provide counseling, and educate individuals, families, and communities.
• Order and schedule laboratory studies, diagnostic procedures, and services such as changes in immunosuppression, renal biopsies, inpatient and outpatient dialysis, and home health care.
• Explain the necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to patients.
• Seek expert opinion or advice from collaborating physicians when cases fall outside of protocol; refer patients to outside physicians for consultation or specialized health resources.
• Document patient encounters and maintain detailed, accurate records.
• Provide expertise and support to nursing and licensed medical staff, utilizing best practices and evidence-based care to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Time Allocation: Clinical assessment and case management (70%), ordering and scheduling diagnostic procedures (10%), seeking expert opinion or referrals (5%), documentation of patient encounters (10%), other duties (5%).

Requirements

• For Nurse Practitioners: Successful completion of graduate education at the master’s, post-master’s, or doctoral level from a nationally accredited program, and national board certification. Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing (MSN) or Clinical Doctorate in Nursing Practice, with preference for FNP, ANP, AGNP, or ACNP certification. Valid, unrestricted NC RN license, Initial Nurse Practitioner Approval to Practice, and good standing with the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
• For Physician Assistants: Successful completion of an educational program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (or successor agency), and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and ACLS certifications, maintained throughout employment.
• Clear criminal history.
• Commitment to continuing education to remain current with technological, methodological, and field developments.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to support travel between office, hospital, and dialysis unit locations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications and familiarity with Electronic Health Records.

Skills and Abilities

• Maintain patient confidentiality and medical records in accordance with HIPAA.
• Practice autonomously and in coordination with healthcare professionals.
• Provide a wide range of health care services, including diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems.
• Comfort with health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling.
• General knowledge of healthcare research methodology and interdisciplinary consultation.
• Strong patient advocacy skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear and concise documentation of patient interactions.
• Proactive with strong independent decision-making skills and attention to detail.
• Recognize social determinants affecting health, access to care, and patient engagement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse, resource-challenged communities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and function well amid interruptions.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Physical Demands

• Potential for travel for trainings, professional meetings, and education.
• Requires hearing, visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• Fine motor skills for reaching, grabbing, and holding.
• Extended periods in stationary or standing positions.
• Repetitive motion, such as data entry into computer-based programs.
• Ability to traverse multiple locations within the ECU Health Medical Center campus, including ramps, uneven sidewalks, elevators, and stairs.

Work Environment

Work is performed in typical interior office, hospital, and dialysis medical environments with moderate noise levels. High risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).