Nurse Practitioners

Job Description

General Job Description

The nephrology nurse practitioner is a mid-level provider who provides care to patients throughout all stages of renal failure.  Duties include assessment of health status, physical examination, diagnosis, development and implementation of a treatment plan, and follow-up care and evaluation of the patient.  The nephrology nurse practitioner will perform activities in collaboration with the attending nephrologist.  The nephrology nurse practitioner will also serve as a mentor, educator, researcher, manager, and collaborator for those involved in the patient’s care.  Job sites include the office, hospital, and dialysis centers.

Requirements

·         Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program

·         Has a current Michigan Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner licenses

·         Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills

·         Ability to function independently

·         Experience working with renal patients, ANNA certification, and ACLS strongly desired

Job Duties

The nurse practitioner utilizes the scientific process and national standards of care as a framework for managing patient care.  These duties include:

·         Assessment

·         Obtaining a relevant health and medical history

·         Performing a physical examination based on patient needs

·         Interpreting diagnostic tests

·         Collecting and collaborating with other healthcare professionals and family as indicated (rounds, family meetings, discussions between collaborating providers)

·         Evaluating the changing needs of the patient, patient readiness to learn, course of illness, support, and community resources

·         Diagnosis

·         Utilizing critical thinking in the diagnostic process

·         Synthesizing and analyzing the collected data

·         Formulation of a differential diagnosis based on the history, physical examination and diagnostic test results

·         Collaboration with the attending nephrologist as necessary

·         Development and Implementation of a treatment plan

The nurse practitioner, together with the patient, family, and health care team, establishes an evidence-based, mutually acceptable, cost-awareness plan of care that maximizes health potential.  Formulation of the treatment plan includes:

·         Ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests

·         Prescribing/ordering appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions

·         Adjust dialysis prescription as indicated

·         Consulting with nursing staff, physicians and other disciplines on complex patient/facility care issues

·         Developing protocols with dialysis and office staff as indicated

·         Removing sutures, staples, invasive lines as indicated

·         Accurate documentation of patient status and care in the medical record

·         Follow-up and evaluation of the patient status

·         Determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan with documentation and evaluation of patient care outcomes

·         Reassessing and modifying the plan with the patient, family, and healthcare team as necessary to achieve health and medical goals

·         Participation in quality assurance review

·         Research

·         Support research by developing research questions, participating in research, and incorporating research findings into practice

·         Education

·         Serve as mentor, educator, and consultant to patient, families, and other health professionals

·         Interpret the role of the nurse practitioner to those involved in patient care

·         Maintenance of current knowledge by attending continuing education programs

·         Maintenance of certification and license requirements in accordance with the current state and board certifying agencies