Nurse Practitioner/PA/SGH OB MLPs/Obstetrics/NIGHTS 7P-7A

Job Description

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse, who utilizes advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in providing primary and/or specialized health care services to individuals, families, groups and communities across the health-illness continuum. Diagnostic reasoning, advanced therapeutic interventions and education are key elements in the direct provision of care using a collaborative model. The nurse practitioner works as an autonomous practitioner or in collaboration with a physician, and is directly accountable for making clinical judgments using independent and interdependent decision-making skills. The nurse practitioner's primary focus is on the provision of direct and indirect patient care in managing the health care needs of the identified client population(s). The nurse practitioner provides care to a specific patient population using advanced skills in physical exam, diagnosis and treatment. The nurse practitioner writes medical orders (medications, tests and invasive procedures) and may perform invasive procedures, and perform or assist with surgical procedures; subject to internal and external rules and regulations credentialing. The nurse practitioner also functions as a consultant, educator, researcher, resource and role model for patient, families, community, nursing personnel and other health care providers. The nurse practitioner evaluates the quality of care rendered; analyzes and promotes system changes to enhance quality of care and organizational effectiveness/efficiency; conducts/utilizes research to promote health and improve health care delivery. The nurse practitioner assumes responsibility for own professional development. Appropriate privileges are required to prescribe pharmacological and medical interventions. The nurse practitioner obtains privileges to practice within the Detroit Medical Center as an Allied Health Professional through the Detroit Medical Center Medical Staff Organization, according to internal and external rules and regulations. A. PRACTICE 1. Assesses the health status of patients through eliciting comprehensive health histories, performing physical exams and analyzing data to formulate appropriate diagnoses. Develops prioritized, comprehensive problem list and prioritizes/prescribes interventions and diagnostic tests, when appropriate, in collaboration with a physician or according to established standards. Consistently collects patient data, which is prioritized according to the patient's immediate condition or needs. 2. Identifies expected patient outcomes and develops appropriate plan of care to manage patients' health problems, promote health maintenance and prioritizes multiple patient needs. The plan of care is developed in collaboration with the patient, family and other health care professionals. The plan of care is documented and specifies appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to attain expected outcomes which are individualized, consistent with goals of care, cost-effective, reflective of current scientific knowledge and which anticipate and address the continuing needs of the patient. 3. Prescribes and implements interventions identified in the interdisciplinary plan of care. Interventions may include a variety of therapeutic interventions, including diagnostic tests, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, invasive procedures, providing patient/family education and counseling, and initiating health care and community referrals. 4. Evaluates and documents patient progress toward the attainment of expected outcomes utilizing interdisciplinary collaboration, appropriate quality indicators and multiple sources of data, including the patients' assessment of progress. Coordinates and facilitates continuity of care that crosses institutional and organizational boundaries, as required. 5. Acts as a patient/family advocate to ensure health care services are delivered in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner. B. CONSULTATION 1. Acts as a consultant to patients, families, the community, nursing staff, medical staff and other health care providers by providing clinical expertise. 2. Promotes the integration of a nursing perspective in planning, policy making and problem-solving 3. Provides consultation to various agencies and groups (i.e., government, planning groups, health institutions, community groups, policy makers, organizational leaders, teaching institutions and other educational groups/agencies). C. EDUCATION 1. Assesses the knowledge, skills and ability of the nursing staff to provide quality patient care. Provides education opportunities to develop and enhance performance, problem-solving and critical thinking skills of nursing staff. 2. Designs, implements, coordinates and evaluates materials and programs for clients, health care professionals and the community, based on identified needs. 3. Educates nursing staff and other health care providers in the development, implementation and evaluation of teaching strategies for patients/families. 4. Instructs patients/families/caregivers about medical condition, management, follow-up care, medications, illness prevention, health promotion, coping strategies. The intent is to increase knowledge and the ability to manage the illness and maximize coping strategies for patients, families/caregivers. 5. Precepts, teaches, coaches and mentors students, nurses and other health care providers. D. RESEARCH 1. Conducts research independently or in collaboration with other nurses and/or other disciplines. 2. Analyzes and disseminates relevant nursing research. Applies research findings in clinical setting to improve practice. E. MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP 1. Acts as an independent practitioner. Utilizes independent judgment to effectively recommend changes in clinical practice and/or prescription of nursing interventions in patient care. 2. Utilizes continuous quality improvement to effect system changes. Integrates clinical and management skills with fiscal responsibility. 3. Provides proactive leadership to attain excellence in clinical nursing practice and quality patient care at the departmental, divisional and organizational levels. 4. Supervises clinical practice to ensure effective, efficient quality care delivery. F. PROFESSIONAL Maintains current knowledge and clinical expertise through ongoing involvement in professional activities. Engages in collaborative appraisal of professional practice. Models professionalism and positive guest relations. Engages in activities that enhance/advance the profession of nursing. Sets professional goals and demonstrates achievements. COMPLIANCE STATEMENT Supports the standards set forth in the DMC Code of Conduct by creating an atmosphere of commitment to legal and ethical standards, and as directed, implementing external and internal audit recommendations. Monitors activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations JCAHO requirements, and DMC policies and procedures. *The essential functions of this job include but are not limited to those marked with an asterisk.

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