Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Hospitalist

Pediatric Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner

JOB SUMMARY:

The Pediatric Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner provides care to hospitalized patients in the Pediatric unit following established standards and practices. Clinical problems treated by the Nurse Practitioner may include, though are not limited to health maintenance, common acute illnesses, management of stable chronic disease, and patient/family education consistent with the community standard for pediatric providers. The inpatient pediatric service cares for patients at the Family Birth Center which includes labor & delivery, post-partum care, and general inpatient pediatric patients. Duties include care for newborn infants in Level 1 nursery, pediatric patient consultation and co-management in the emergency department including assistance with stabilization prior to transfer to tertiary care center, day to day management of hospitalized general pediatric patients, collaboration with outpatient primary care providers and community partners. Clinical responsibilities include attendance at high risk deliveries, attendance at cesarean sections, resuscitation of newborns, care of healthy newborns, care for infants with hyperbilirubinemia, feeding difficulties/failure to thrive, rule out sepsis, respiratory distress including transient tachypnea of newborn, infants requiring CPAP for stabilization; following Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines procedures may include: umbilical central lines, lumbar punctures, intubations, and emergent needle decompression of pneumothorax. General pediatric inpatients common diagnoses include but not limited to respiratory distress requiring non-invasive ventilatory support, volume depletion requiring IV hydration, infections with need for IV antibiotics, or observation and care coordination prior to discharge.

PRE-REQUISITES:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Licensure

Certifications: Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner who maintains APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) and RN (Registered Nurse) license; NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To: Pediatric Hospitalist Medical Director & CMQO
Other Contacts: Medical Staff Members, patients and patients' families, public, community resource staff and hospital employees.

SCOPE:

• Machinery or Equipment Used:
  • Computer/Electronic Health Record, patient monitoring devices, telephone, fax, copier, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment necessary to perform duties within the limits of their training, experience and granted privileges including resuscitation equipment.
• Physical Demands:
  • Extensive sitting, walking, typing, listening, bending, finger dexterity, standing, reaching, color vision, talking, and eye/hand coordination
• Working Conditions:
  • Medical clinic environment with patients at high risk of cardiac arrest or arrythmias. Subject to high stress of multiple calls, interruptions, demands and crisis situations
• Required Protective Equipment:
  • Ergonomically correct computer equipment, as well as PPE required on a case by case basis to perform appropriate patient care (eye protection, face protection, goggles, mask, gown, non-sterile medical gloves and sterile medical gloves).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Patient care:

• Functions independently to perform age-appropriate history and physical for pediatric patients from birth through young adulthood.
• Nursing standards of care: assessment of health status, diagnosis, development of plan of care and treatment, implementation of treatment plan, and evaluation of patient status.
• Implements medical care within their limits of privileges, including writing orders for medications, and prescribing out-patient medications according to Vermont Pharmacy Rules and Regulations.
• Orders and interprets appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic tests.
• Prescribes appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities.
• Performs admission assessment
• Facilities patient's transitioned within NMC or transfer to tertiary care center if appropriate.
• Utilizes referral services when appropriate
• Consultation with Physician when appropriate
• Provides education to patient(s) and caregivers on both acute and chronic care of condition.
• Timely and clear documentation.

Effectively develops and communicates with the patient and the family/support system about the treatment plan, resources and required follow up care.

• Applies knowledge integration skills for the patient population served within clinic
• Talks with and listens to patients/team members
• Adapts care management for diverse populations and environment
• Incorporates teaching in delivery of care with a focus on health promotion
• Provides counseling about health behaviors
• Timely and clear communication with Primary Care Provider

Utilizes the hospitals electronic health record by appropriately documenting all patient interactions.

Actively participates in hospital committees and maintains both a collegial and independent relationship with members of the medical staff and Hospital employees.

Provides leadership role to nursing staff, participation in improving clinical practice, process improvement, education, and ensuring a productive team-oriented environment.

Demonstrates support of and assists with the execution of cost saving and process improvement initiatives. Partners with other departments of the hospital to ensure efficient flow of patients.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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