APRN / PA INPATIENT - CLINICAL OBSERVATION

About the role

This fast-paced unit cares for patients who need short-term evaluation and treatment, with a goal length of stay of 48 hours or less. In this role, the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides overnight coverage for the observation service and performs medicine admissions. The APP works closely with a supportive nocturnist physician. This is a great opportunity for APPs who enjoy teamwork, acute care, and being part of an innovative new service at UNMH. Structured onboarding is provided.

Full-time (1.00 FTE) night shift position within the Inpatient APP - Observation department.

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans; implement treatment, follow-up, and evaluate patients within the scope of practice protocols as outlined by state statute.
• Perform patient history and physical exams as needed for procedures or admissions; document findings noting pertinent normal and abnormal findings.
• Complete admitting orders, daily rounds and orders, consultations with nurses, specialists, and ancillary staff, discharge summaries, transfers, medication management, and other orders required for patient care management.
• Perform invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic procedures and tests; explain the necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of procedures to patients and their families.
• Evaluate and revise intervention care/treatment plans with patients and families as necessary to achieve improved health.
• Provide education for patients and/or families about preventative care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatments.
• Provide accurate documentation of patient care, document orders, directives, procedures, and patient responses in the medical record; communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
• Work as a team member with medical, nursing, and counseling staff to provide comprehensive care and promote continuity of care.
• Guide, teach, support, and serve as a clinical resource for nursing and medical staff.
• Act as a role model through conduct, appearance, communication, mutual respect, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Support research by conducting or participating in research studies; incorporate findings into clinical practice.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve it through questioning current policies and processes.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and/or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations they don’t understand or may “not seem right.”

Requirements

• Graduate of an Advanced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• 1 year of directly related experience.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo (preferred but not required).
• Specialization in applicable area and 3 years of directly related experience (preferred but not required).

Qualifications

• CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers (within 30 days of hire).
• Advanced Practice RN or Physician Assistant license and NCCPA certification (if applicable).
• Pediatric Nursing Certification (as applicable).
• ACLS or PALS (as applicable) within 30 days of hire.
• Prescriptive Authority from the State of New Mexico.
• State of New Mexico and Federal DEA Certification.

Physical Conditions

Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements exceed those for Light Work.

Working conditions involve significant hazards, including exposure to chemicals and biohazardous materials, requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Failure to obtain or maintain credentials may result in termination with 60 days written notice required to be eligible for rehire. Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus available.
• Relocation assistance available.