GENERAL SUMMARY 

The nurse practitioner is responsible for providing high quality care to both inpatients and outpatients and functions as a member of the medical team.  The nurse practitioner, in collaboration with the physician, assists with the diagnosis of medical conditions, planning and implementation of interventions, as well as evaluating patient responses.  Serves as a resource for staff and students on issues and strategies in the management of patients and is expected to participate in scientific clinical research and publication.

Consistently demonstrates support of the SRAlab statement ofMissionand Philosophy by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

SCOPE

Clinical privileges for the individual nurse practitioner shall be made by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Executive Committee of Active Medical Staff.  Nurse Practitioners may engage in activities that normally constitute the practice of nursing without credentialing, provided they have the preparation, knowledge and experience necessary to properly execute the practice.  Medical diagnostic, therapeutic and management funtions will be instituted under medical supervision using practice guidelines or protocols developed by the Institute.

Scope of practice for the nurse practitioner is subject to the definition scope as identified in Section 3 of the Illinois Nursing Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 65/3), and will be adjusted as the current practice act is amended.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL

Elicits an accurate history and physical examination which may be focused or comprehensive to assist the attending physician in establishing a diagnosis, plans and implements interventions, medications, therapies and diagnostic tests according to established guidelines, and evaluates patient responses to therapies under the direction of a physician.

1. Assembling a complete medical database including health history, history of chief complaint, and physical examination of selected patients on admission/readmission, as a consultation, and on outpatients visits, and documenting the findings in the patient record.
2. Assessing selected patients using physically and technologically derived data, including the evaluation of diagnostic test results, and documenting this assessment in the patient record.
3. Under the direction of consultation/collaboration with the physician, assisting with diagnosis of medical conditions and planning medical therapies and interventions based on the medical database.  Documenting and communicating the diagnosis and plan to other members of the health care team.
4. Under the direction of and in consultation/collaboration with the physician, ordering medical consultations, therapies, and interventions including, but not limited to, medications, diagnostic tests, respiratory care including ventilator management, nutrition, fluid and ecetrolyte support, blood and blood product.  Documenting these orders and directives in the patient record and communicating them to the members of the patient care team.  (Orders written by the nurse practitioner are noted with the name of the nurse practitioner and collaborating physician as verbal orders.)
5. Performing invasive diagnostic and therapuetic procedures based on the needs of the specific patient population as determined collaboratively with the physician and as approved by the Credentialing Committee.  Documenting the procedure and the patient responses and results in the patient record.
6. Evaluating and analyzing the patients’ responses to disease processes and therapeutic interventions, and determining the effectiveness of care and need to alter the plan of care.
7. Presenting selected patients’ assessment, diagnosis, and plan of care during medical rounds.
8. Leading or participating in patient team conferences and family/team meetings, documenting the discussion in the patient record, and communicating outcome to the interdisciplinary team.
9. Providing information and support to patient and families.  Facilitating communication between patient and family members and members of the health care team.
10. Collaborating with the nurses and nursing supervisors and manager to implement and evaluate holistic patient care delivery.
11. Serving as a resource to members of the health care team to facilitate patient care delivery by using an in-depth pathophysiological and psychological knowledge base.

EDUCATIONAL

1. Participating in activities that contribute to the education of other health care professionals, including presentation and publication.
2. Acting as a role model, and, in selected cases, precepting students including nurse practitioner students.
3. Teaching and promoting practices to improve or maintain health to patients and family members, and others within and outside of the SRAlab continuum.

PROFESSIONAL

1. Participating in or initiating activities necessary for annual reappointment and privileging.  Documenting evidence of continuing competency in areas of medical diagnosis, therapeutics, invasive procedures, and management, as well as required certification (s).

2. Participating in activities that enhance Professional development with role as a nurse practitioner, such as:

   1. Serving on SRAlab committees related to nurse practitioner utilization, including regularly updating medical management guidelines/protocols;
   2. Reading professional journals and texts to maintain level of knowledge on the latest clinical, professional, and legislative trends, sharing the knowledge gained with other members of the health care team;
   3. Attending continuing education programs; and
   4. Participating in professional organizations.

3. Promoting and practicing economical and effective health care.

4. Demonstrating behavior that models SRAlab service vision and philosophy.

5. Serving on departmental and interdisciplinary committees.

RESEARCH

1. Participating in medical and interdisciplinary research projects, including presenting and publishing findings.
2. Utilizing current research findings to support and improve patient care.
3. Interpreting relevant findings to members of the interdisciplinary team.

OTHER

1. Performing other duties as determined collaboratively with the physician, other nurse practitioners, administrators that are within the scope of practice of nurse practitioners and the policies of the Institute.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS 

1. Reports to Medical Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED 

1. Master’s Degree in an approved Nurse Practitioner program.
2. Certification by the American Nurse’s credentialing Center as a nurse practitioner.
3. Licensure as a professional nurse in the State ofIllinois.
4. Minimum of three years of experience as a professional nurse.
5. Requires interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, patient families, referring parties, Institute executives and treatment team members.
6. Require ability to demonstrate sound medical knowledge and leadership capability.
7. Advanced cardiac life support certificate preferred.
8. CRRN certification preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. Exposure to moderately adverse working conditions in performing certain patient care activities.
3. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  For the purposes of theADA, “Principle Responsibilities” are essential job functions.

SRAlab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Required Skills Required Experience