Position Summary:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) collaborate with physicians and work with other healthcare providers as needed to individualize the healthcare needs of their patients.  APRNs provide diagnosis and treatment of health problems; focus on the effects health problems have on the patient and the family; explain health problems and the effects of medications; emphasize wellness and self-care; and manage their own case load.

APRNs with prescriptive authority maintain a current collaboration agreement with a physician (as well as a physician who is available in their absence) who contractually agrees to be available for consultation and referral while maintaining the appropriate contracts as required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

APRNs perform physical exams; order/ interpret lab and radiologic studies; diagnose and treat acute and chronic health problems; provide health maintenance; and promote healthy lifestyles for patients.

Primary Duties:

• Conducts comprehensive patient assessments according to patient’s presenting symptoms and progress
• Documents findings and communicates all pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members and collaborative physician(s) as appropriate
• Coordinates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation, and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patient’s needs and goals
• Provides competent care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Provides education to patients/families/significant others.
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Maintains standard universal precautions
• Prescribes and administers medication as outlined by prescriptive authority contract and completes treatments according to policies.
• Maintains and completes all required patient record documentation.
• Directs admission and discharge medications, writing prescriptions, outlining dietary restrictions, discharge identifying discharge medications, writing prescriptions, outlining dietary restrictions, discharge activities and follow up appointments to facilitate discharge process.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills and decision making at an advanced level.

• Advanced Practice Nurse Responsibilities: To the extent consistent within the scope of his/her practice permitted by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse performs the following:
• Facilitates admission processes, treatment plans and discharge processes under the guidance and direction of collaborative physician(s).
• Conducts rounds on all patients as requested by the collaborative physician(s), conducts assessments, identifies health status, establishes diagnosis, reviews x-ray and lab data, reviews medications and hemodynamics status, and provides treatment plans based on collaborative physician direction.
• Documents patient progress, treatment and discharge orders per protocols and completes discharge summary and other required documentation.
•  Provides direct patient care interventions per established protocols and credentialing.
• Facilitates on-going education and coordination of care through communications with patient, staff, and collaborative physician.                                                     Coordinates patient care and consultation with physicians, appropriate office personnel, team members, and peers.
• Works closely with Case Management and PI Coordinator in evaluating quality of care.  Identifies opportunities for improvement and facilitates implementation of new treatment protocols.
• Works closely with Education Coordinator and Business Development to facilitate in-service and educational opportunities for staff and community events.
• Facilitates clinical practicum/training for other teaching institutions and serves as a clinical resource.

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Master’s level program of nursing education that fulfills completion requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing.  Will consider grandfathered BSN graduates that have fulfilled educational requirements to obtain Advanced Practice licensure as required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
• Licensure/Certification: Possession of an active current Arkansas Registered Nurse license and an Arkansas Advanced Practice Nurse license, active current certification by a nationally certifying body, current BLS and ACLS certifications.  Eligible for or has current Medicare provider number and DEA registration.   Certification(s) is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card.
• Experience: Minimum of one-year experience as an acute care nurse practitioner preferred.