Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Dept. of Surgery - Float Pool @ HUP

The Department of Surgery has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Physician Assistant (PAs) or Nurse Practitioner to join their Float team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). 

As an NP/PA within the Department of Surgery, you will be part of a high-functioning inter-professional team who is responsible for the management of complex and critically ill surgical patients from a wide range of surgical sub-specialties, including general surgery, bariatric surgery, thoracic surgery, complex surgical resections of GI malignancies, and benign GI or colorectal surgical procedures. Responsibilities for the NP/PA who joins our team will include outpatient management, clinical decision making, procedures according to credentialing, complex care planning, care coordination, and education of patients, family, and staff. The NP/PA, will provide quality care across the continuum in collaboration with physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, nursing staff, and other members of the care team, and be expected to manage patient care autonomously within the scope of their professional practice. In addition, the provider will participate in educational activities, and research as applicable, ensure regulatory compliance, document care according to standards, and prescribe by their collaborative agreement and State regulations. This position will have the unique opportunity to work on a specific surgical service but rotate to different teams based on the needs of the various divisions within the Department of Surgery. This will provide the APP experience in a multitude of teams and will be an exciting opportunity to care for a different patient population on a rotating basis. This position is an outpatient-focused role with minimal OR time/first assisting. Opportunities for professional growth and development are available through research, lecturing, publications, and involvement with departmental and hospital projects and committees.

All nurse practitioners and physician assistants’ function under the guidelines designed by the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center medical staff guidelines and are credentialed through that body. The PA or CRNP hired will be held accountable through a formal job description, the delineation of privileges, and their agreement with their collaborating/supervising physician who has initiated a Collaborative Practice Agreement.

All clinical work hours and associated requirements will be defined and managed under the direction of the collaborating physician/division designee and within the Human Resource guidelines

Summary:

All CRNPs/PA-C function under the guidelines as designed by the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center medical staff guidelines and are credentialed through that body. The CRNP/PAs will be held accountable through a formal job description, delineation of privileges, and through their agreement with their collaborating physician and a Collaborative Practice Agreement. All clinical work hours and associated requirements will be defined and managed under the direction of the collaborating physician/division designee and within the Human Resource guidelines.

The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant contributes to excellence in education, leadership, professional contribution, and practice.

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct clinical care for the patient population according to established protocols and utilizes evidence-based practice standards in collaboration with the team.
• Maintains accurate and confidential medical records. Documents all medical evaluations, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, outcomes, education, referrals, and consultations consistent with organizational standards in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Identifies self properly to the patient and family and clarifies the role of the nurse practitioner if necessary.
• The nurse practitioner should function within their scope and refer to the collaborating physician when outside of scope, and/or directed by the collaborating physician or when requested by the patient and/or family. Performs interventions specific to assigned patient population and collaborative agreement.
• Participates in the performance improvement processes to meet the quality of care and service standards.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional responsibility as a role model to peers and members of the health care team.
• Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based on the patient’s clinical status.
• Addresses patient and family concerns and creates a therapeutic relationship to provide support.
• Provide patient education, counseling, and instruction regarding patient diagnosis, medical treatments, medications, and preventative care.
• Participate in and support accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization.
• Precept NP students and other health care learners.
• Identifies patient/family needs for community resources and refers appropriately.

Credentials:

• BLS/CPR, as a healthcare provider as per the American Heart Association (For providers in the ambulatory setting) required
• Board Certified as an Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (Required)
• Pennsylvania CRNP/PA-C licensure required.
• Pennsylvania Prescriptive Authority required.
• Active Pennsylvania State Registered Nurses License (Required)
• PA and/or NJ RN licensure (RN) required.

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• Master of Science in Nursing or Health Sciences (Required)
• New to Practice or over 2.5 years of experience, 
• The CRNP/PA must be reviewed by the Credentials Committee and approved by the Medical Board.