NURSE PRACTITIONER

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for providing direct medical care in a public health setting under a collaborative agreement with a physician in accordance with written practice agreements and written practice protocols. The incumbent assesses the physical and psychological status of patients by means of interview, health history, physical examinations and diagnostic tests. Consistent with the medical protocol established by the physician, the Nurse Practitioner may evaluate test findings, make assessments and initiate appropriate actions to facilitate the implementation of preventive and/or therapeutic plans for the continuing health care needs of the patients. The work is done under the administrative supervision of a higher level administrator. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Performs physical examinations of and obtains detailed medical histories from patients;

Collaborates/consults with physician, as indicated;

Orders laboratory tests as outlined in practice protocols;

Discerns normal vs. abnormal findings while assessing patients physical and gynecologic health;

Provides appropriate treatment and makes referrals to appropriate service providers;

Prescribes drug therapy including, but not limited to, birth control and immunizing agents in accordance with the practice agreement and practice protocols;

Patient care follow-up by various means: patient contact, follow-up visit, consultation with Medical Director, referral or compliance confirmation;

Instructs, guides and counsels patients and/or their families regarding medical matters including but not limited to birth control methods and other reproductive health issues;

Creates and maintains a variety of records regarding the examination and treatment of patients including case histories and medical charts;

Reviews patients’ case histories and charts with the physician as indicated, discusses findings and devises patient care plans;

Participates in staff, quality assurance, peer review and other meetings with other health practitioners as required;

Supervises clinic staff in the absence of the Clinic Coordinator;

Acts as a resource person to staff regarding health care and provides health care training to staff as required;

Precepts Nurse-Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Midwifery students, as appropriate;

Prepares a variety of oral and written reports as required.

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FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of preventive and prescriptive public health care;

Thorough knowledge of normal and abnormal signs and symptoms relating to physical well being;

Thorough knowledge of medical terminology;

Good knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations related to public health care;

Good knowledge of local medical and nursing service providers;

Ability to perform physical examinations, assess and diagnose the physical and emotional condition of patients and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment;

Ability to recognize signs and symptoms associated with changes in the physical health of patients and treat appropriately;

Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a current license and registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State and possession of a current New York State certification as a Nurse Practitioner.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Classification: Category 1

*Part 64 of the New York State commissioner of Education Regulations defines the profession of Nurse Practitioners and includes the following specialty areas: Acute Care, Adult Health, College Health, Community Health, Family Health, Holistic Care, Neonatology, Obstertrics/Gynecology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Perinatology, Psychiatry, School Health, and women’s Health.