Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant

Physician Extender Position

SouthCoast Seeks a Physician Extender to work two (2) weekends per month at our Weekend Care Office. Saturday 9A-4P and Sunday 12P-4P.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides timely, patient-centered care for individuals presenting to Urgent Care with acute illnesses and minor injuries. Evaluates patients, develops treatment plans, performs approved procedures, and coordinates follow-up care. Works collaboratively with physicians and clinical staff within the provider's education, certification, authorized scope of practice, and SouthCoast Health protocols.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtain medical histories, perform focused physical examinations, assess symptoms, and develop appropriate differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Evaluate and manage common acute illnesses and minor injuries appropriate for the urgent care setting and the provider's authorized patient population.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and other studies within authorized privileges; review results and communicate findings and treatment recommendations to patients.
• Prescribe medications and other treatments within authorized prescribing privileges and established clinical protocols.
• Perform minor procedures, such as wound care, laceration repair, and splinting, when supported by demonstrated competency and approved privileges.
• Recognize conditions requiring a higher level of care, initiate appropriate emergency measures, and coordinate transfer to an emergency department or other facility when indicated.
• Educate patients and caregivers regarding diagnoses, medications, home care, warning signs, and when to seek additional treatment.
• Complete accurate and timely electronic medical records, including assessments, treatment plans, procedure notes, and documentation supporting coding and billing.
• Arrange referrals and follow-up care. Review pending test results and complete or clearly hand off outstanding patient care responsibilities, including needs arising between scheduled weekends.
• Consult with the designated physician as appropriate and communicate effectively with clinical staff to support safe patient flow and continuity of care.
• Follow infection prevention, medication safety, patient privacy, and workplace safety practices; report concerns and participate in quality improvement activities.
• Maintain required credentials, complete assigned training, and reliably fulfill the agreed schedule of two weekends per month.

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Nurse Practitioner

• Graduate of an accredited nurse practitioner program with a master's or doctoral degree in nursing.
• Current, unrestricted Georgia NP licensure and authorization to practice as a nurse practitioner, with national certification appropriate to the patient population served.

Physician Assistant

• Graduate of an accredited physician assistant program.
• Current, unrestricted Georgia physician assistant license and current NCCPA certification.

Both Provider Types

• Current Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications.
• Current DEA registration and other prescribing credentials, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to meet SouthCoast Health credentialing requirements and maintain applicable practice agreements, clinical privileges, and professional certifications.
• Clinical training and demonstrated competence appropriate to the ages and conditions treated in the clinic.
• Ability to work two weekends per month, including Saturday and Sunday, on an established schedule.

EXPERIENCE:

At least two years of experience as an NP or PA in urgent care, emergency medicine, or a comparable ambulatory setting. Experience managing acute illnesses and minor injuries, performing minor procedures, and caring for the age groups served by the clinic is preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills, including recognizing when physician consultation or emergency transfer is needed.
• Ability to prioritize patient needs, manage multiple demands, and maintain accurate documentation in a busy clinical setting.
• Clear, respectful communication with patients, caregivers, physicians, and coworkers.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and a commitment to patient safety and service.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in an outpatient urgent care setting with potential exposure to infectious illnesses, blood, body fluids, and other clinical hazards. Duties involve standing, walking, sitting, using clinical equipment and computers, and assisting with patient examinations and procedures. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position. Other related duties may be assigned consistent with the provider's qualifications and authorized scope of practice.

HIPAA:

This position shall have full access to information in a patient's medical record, in order to provide quality patient care. Patient information is to be held strictly confidential. Patient information will not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than the performance of job responsibilities and duties. Access to a user's own medical record and/or family members medical records is strictly prohibited unless related to job responsibilities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT STATEMENT:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case by case basis.

SouthCoast Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants selected for employment are subject to pre-employment drug testing.