Advanced Practice Nurse

Advanced Practice Nurse

Positions in this job provide professional medical services to inmates for the department; are responsible for examination, diagnosis, treatment and performance of specialized procedures that are within the scope of an advanced practice nurse; make referrals to staff physician when determination is made that illness or treatment is beyond that scope of practice. Specialties in this area are advanced registered nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialist, nurse-midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists as identified in the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act, Title 59 O.S. Section 567.3a.

Typical Functions:

• Provides advanced professional expertise and technical assistance to medical staff in implementing health care treatment within the area of specialization and certification.
• Performs evaluations of inmates including review of information obtained by other health care providers; reviews the history of previous treatment, other laboratory and diagnostic tests, and examines inmates for present pathology; establishes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment and follow-up plans; performs further diagnostic procedures when necessary; provides continuity of individualized health care to inmates by referring to, or collaborating with, other health care professionals in the establishment of goals and implementation of the plan of care.
• Prescribes, dispenses and regulates medications according to the orders established by the supervising physician.
• Acts as a resource to health care staff and implements educational programs to improve health care management of inmates; provides leadership in the assessment, development, and implementation of policies and procedures/standards of care that are directly and indirectly related to the care of inmates.
• Documents results of examinations, diagnosis, and treatment in the inmate's medical record using the proper charting format; assures the maintenance of medical confidentiality and complies with department and statutory requirements concerning the release of medical information.

Level Descriptor:

At this level employees are responsible for performing the full scope of nursing practice involving a high level of autonomy and independent practice. Responsibilities include assessing and diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications and treatments, and providing other related health care services to assigned patients. Services may be provided in a designated hospital, clinic, skilled nursing facility, an assigned geographical area, or similar medical treatment areas.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies:

Knowledge of nursing theory and practice; of physical assessment, diagnosis, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of acute and chronic problems; of theory and practice of medical diagnostic techniques, methods, and procedures; and of supervisory principles and techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to instruct patients; and to collaborate with health team members.

Education and Experience:

Minimum Qualifications: Current certificate of recognition and prescriptive authority from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing as an advanced practice nurse as defined by the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act. Positions may require a specific advanced practice nursing certificate specialization.

Special Requirements:

Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.