Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA)

Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA)

STGi is seeking qualified candidates for this position in connection with an active Request for Proposals (RFP). Hiring for this role is contingent upon STGi's selection as the successful awardee.

STGi is currently seeking a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to provide services at our Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The general duty of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) is to provide professional clinical services under the direction of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Primary Care Provider (PCP). The NP or PA is an Advanced Practice Generalist who provides a wide range of health services, including urgent and emergent evaluation of episodic and chronic problems; and comprehensive, integrated primary health care which addresses a majority of the client's health care needs on an ongoing basis. The NP or PA is knowledgeable in the assessment, treatment and evaluation of a comprehensive range of health care problems; emergency measures; preventive health; prescribing medications and other treatments; ordering, conducting, interpreting laboratory, diagnostic studies and procedures; and patient and family education utilizing community, social, and health resources. The NP or PA maintains knowledge of current practice, acts as role model and mentor to others, acts as client advocate, and participates in professional activities at local and state level. These duties include:

• Provides primary and preventive medical care to meet the needs (physical, mental, and emotional) of patients under a limited scope of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and within his/her skills and training.
• Provides medical patient care to the scope and standards of practice established by a nationally recognized credentialing organization representing Nurse Practitioners and/or Physician Assistants.
• Functions within the scope of practice of the state), the Joint Commission standards and Officer of the Inspector General.
• Works closely with the Patient Aliened Care Team (PACT) and extended support staff including daily huddles with the team.
• Emphasizes wellness, prevention, and early detection.
• Supervises support staff in delivery of care to patients.
• Maintains universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Provides smooth and timely flow of patients in accordance with the Veteran Administration's (VA) access standards and triage protocol.
• Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assisting during respiratory and cardiac arrest procedures.
• Investigates health problems or health needs by gathering and assessing historical information.
• Performs a physical examination appropriate to the patient's history.
• Diagnoses health problems based on interpretation of the patient's history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results.
• Develops a treatment plan, tailored to the patient's needs, which includes health education, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment.
• Prescribes medications, as appropriate.
• Evaluates the results of the treatment plan, modifying the plan as needed to achieve the treatment goals.
• Makes referrals for specialty evaluation or treatment.
• Directs and coordinates the provision of health care services for patients in primary care, i.e., walk in patients.
• Provides a model for clinical practice within the clinic setting.
• Sets up and operates therapeutic and emergency equipment, including monitor, electrocardiogram (EKG), oxygen, automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) and portable suction.
• Obtains patient history on new and follow-up and record appropriate findings according to VA standards.
• Performs initial and periodic physical examinations within limits of privileges and record findings.
• Orders diagnostic tests according to the chief complaint, physical and emotional/mental findings and symptoms.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of pharmacology.
• Prescribes and administers medication within limits of privileges and state and federal regulations.
• Recommends and follows up on laboratory tests and specialized diagnostic procedures, as deemed necessary.
• Documents all pertinent patient information in the medical records and Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA) to demonstrate quality care delivery and promote continuity of care.
• Keeps the VISTA clinic reminder tracking system current for each enrolled patient.
• Closes patient charts within 24-72 hours of encounter and places Return to Clinic (RTC) orders promptly.
• Assists in scheduling patients for initial and follow-up appointments in accordance with the VA's access standards and the patient's medical necessity.
• Keeps patients informed of their plan of care, including lab and diagnostic test results as needed.
• Provides health educational materials, resources and education to patients and their families for informational purposes and in accordance to their need and learning capacity.
• Assists the Registered Nurse to ensure all patient information on electronic encounter documentation is complete and accurate.
• Complies with all federal, state, local, Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Veteran Affairs, and Subcontractor safety and operational regulations, directives and standards.
• Participates in the ongoing Performance Improvement Program between the VAMC and STGi Performance Excellence program including regularly scheduled peer reviews.
• Ensures that all required reports and clinical information is completed in an accurate, timely and complete fashion.
• Participates in staff development programs.
• Performs other clinical duties assigned within limits of privileges.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information and supporting patients' privacy, rights, and safety.
• Aids in management/coordination of the CBOC's day-to-day activity.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• A minimum of 2 years clinical experience as an APRN/ PA in outpatient care in a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine Environment; 3-5 years is preferred.
• APRN/ PA must have a current and unrestricted DEA License (APRN/PA will be required to obtain and maintain a Scope of Practice/Collaborative Agreement with a state licensed physician prior to delivery of health care).
• Current and unrestricted state license. Must comply will all state requirements and regulations.
• Possess Basic Life Support (BLS)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification prior to performing work from American Heart Association (AHA) or the Military Training Network (MTN).
• Prescriptive authority In accordance with state rules and regulations.
• Ability to set realistic, measurable education goals for patients, taking into consideration patient/family needs, level of understanding, and available local resources.
• Ability to develop and provide individualized and group counseling, guidance, and health instruction with a focus on disease prevention and health maintenance.
• Experience with safe and reasonable practices regarding opioid medications for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software and excellent computer maneuverability.
• Must have exceptional diplomatic communication skills and experience in handling difficult customer situations.
• Must be detailed oriented and have the ability to multi-task.

Required Experience

• Must possess a Master's Degree in Nursing with completion of a university-based program for Nurse Practitioner.
• Must possess relevant certification from American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. Nurse practitioner must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State, possess a master's degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE, and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. (APRN's must be certified in Family Practice or Adult to qualify).

OR

• A bachelor's degree from a PA training program which is certified by the CAHEA; Or Graduation from a PA training program of at least twelve (12) months duration, which is certified by the CAHEA and a bachelor's degree in a health care occupation or health related science;
• The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least five (5) years. Authorization for prescriptive authority is required.
• PAs must be certified by the NCCPA.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office