The Nurse Practitioner will be responsible for administering care to patients under the supervision of physicians.
Essential Duties & Functions
Follows Nurse Practice Act for their licensure.
Initiates an appropriate assessment of patient's health status, ranging from focused to comprehensive, depending upon the setting (e.g., emergency, structured screening, scheduled visit).
Obtains patients’ health history from interview of patient and others, and from review of pertinent health records.
Performs physical examinations.
Interviews and advises patients regarding health and illness prevention, including FQHC-required voluntary family planning services and related preventative health services in compliance with funding requirements and state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Consults with colleagues, supervising Physicians, specialists, and other health professionals as appropriate.
Orders pertinent diagnostic tests and procedures.
Performs diagnostic tests and procedures and therapeutic procedures, within the scope of practice, including venipuncture; intradermal tests; intramuscular and subcutaneous injections; electro-cardiogram; application of dressings and bandages; administration of medications; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; auditory screening; visual screening; and aseptic techniques.
Performs medical procedures including incisions and drainage, wound care, debridement, and suturing of lacerations; and applies and removes casts and traction devices.
Collects specimens for and carries out commonly performed blood, urine, and stool analyses and cultures.
Interprets health information and establishes diagnoses consistent with the accumulated data.
Formulates treatment plan, ensuring timely provision of necessary health care services.
Orders necessary medications and other therapeutic equipment and supplies within the scope of practice.
Educates and informs patients regarding the nature of the illness and the progress of evaluation and treatment.
Educates patients regarding health promotion and disease prevention.
Analyzes accumulated health information and collects additional observational, interview, historical, physical examination, and diagnostic data, modifying treatment as appropriate.
Makes health record entries which are legible, concise, and timely.
Advocates for the rights of patients.
Provides primary clinical therapy and treatment of individual and groups of patient(s).
Participates in formulating, interpreting, implementing, and evaluating objectives, policies, and procedures.
Participates in various committees to improve the quality of health care.
Participates in the collection and preparation of reports on patient care activities.
Conducts audits related to advanced practice health care techniques and takes part in quality assurance programs.
Maintains current knowledge in the field of practice and informs staff of changes.
Maintains records and prepares reports and correspondence related to the work.
Performs other related work as required
Participates in the Performance Improvement Program.
Participates in extended clinic hours, the after-hours on-call program, triaging calls, consulting with providers and providing appropriate documentation of all client contracts.
Referral of complex and high priority cases to the physician on duty with regard to complicated diagnostic problems, serious illness, re-evaluation of chronic conditions, etc.
Assist in patient education, preventative health care, as well as health maintenance concepts.
Participate in IDT.
Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to insure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a team to facilitate the department’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, specific job-related hazards.
Attends all required safety education programs.
Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.
Maintains work area and equipment in condition required by Legacy standards.
Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.
Checks on the patient’s environment and equipment to insure safety. Reports safety concerns promptly to appropriate personnel.
Follows Legacy’s exposure control plans/blood-borne and airborne pathogens.
Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures and correct use of protective barrier equipment (Universal Precautions).
Assures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.
Attends annual education programs
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education, Certifications, Licenses, & Training (minimum Requirements)
Current license from the Texas Board of Nursing and completion of program at an accredited school.
Provider shall obtain, maintain and participate in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs, workers’ compensation, other federal and state reimbursement programs, and the payment plan of any commercial insurer, health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization, accountable health plan, and other health benefit program requested by Legacy.
Desirable Education And/or Experience
Previous experience in an FQHC clinic setting preferred