Nurse Practitioner

Job Description

Summary

Reporting to the Nurse Practitioner Department Head for professional issues, and Program Director for operational issues, the Nurse Practitioner is responsible and accountable for the comprehensive assessment of patients / clients / residents including diagnosing diseases, disorders, and conditions. The Nurse Practitioner initiates treatment including health care management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications in accordance with the statutory and regulatory standards, limits, and conditions, and employer policies and procedures. The Nurse Practitioner provides professional guidance to health professionals and practices autonomously and interdependently within the context of an interdisciplinary health care team, making referrals to specialist physicians and other resources as deemed appropriate.

The position collaborates with patients / clients / residents and other health professionals to identify and assess trends and patterns that have implications for patients / clients / residents, families and communities; develops and implements population and evidence-based strategies to improve health and participates in policy-making activities that influence health services and practices. The position participates in peer review and self review to evaluate the outcome of services at the patient / client / resident, community and population level.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education

Current registration as a Nurse Practitioner with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals and recent relevant clinical nursing experience. Successful completion of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Completion of the Basic Cardiac Life Support Course, Level C. Eligible for Appointment to the Providence Health Care Department of Nurse Practitioners as Medical Staff.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to communicate and collaborate with patients / clients / residents and families about health findings, diagnosis, treatment, self care and prognosis.

Ability to collaborate, consult with and formally refer patients / clients / residents to physicians and other health professionals when appropriate.

Ability to critically assess and evaluate health research literature to determine best practices; ability to introduce education and evidence-based research.

Ability to assess and recognize population health trends; ability to plan and implement strategies for population-based prevention and health promotion.

Ability to implement and evaluate planned change.

Ability to supervise others and evaluate the care they deliver.

Ability to lead a team and work within a team.

Ability to self-direct, interact, and adapt effectively with other professionals in complex, dynamic situations.

Ability to transfer knowledge, teach, coach and mentor others.

Ability to identify and respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues that may arise in patient / resident / client care.

Ability to self-assess performance and assume responsibility and accountability for own professional development, educational or consultative assistance when appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Diagnoses and treats previously undiagnosed patients / clients / residents for undifferentiated diseases, disorders, and conditions within the Nurse Practitioner's scope of practice; writes orders for treatment and medications; provides first line care in emergencies and continuous care.

Monitors ongoing care, orders appropriate screening diagnostic investigations; interprets reports of investigations and analyzes information to monitor progress and plan treatment.

Establishes priorities for management of health, diseases, disorders, and conditions; provides follow-up treatment; communicates with patients / clients / residents and families about health findings, diagnoses and priorities, outcomes and prognoses; supports and counsels patients / clients / residents in their responses to diseases, disorders and conditions.

Collaborates and consults with physicians, the health care team and social service providers to determine the appropriate resources necessary for patients / clients / residents status. Develops and implements treatment plans. May admit and discharge patients / clients / residents to facilities according to medical staff bylaws.

Prescribes drugs within the statutory and regulatory standards, limits, and conditions for Nurse Practitioners and within applicable employer policies and procedures.

Assigns work to other nursing and health care personnel; evaluates work and provides education and supervision as necessary; hires staff, and evaluates staff performance.

Participates in research and quality improvement contributing to patient / client / resident care and advances in nursing, health policy development and population health.

Maintains population health focus by implementing screening and health promotion activities for populations at risk.

Participates in the education of nurse practitioner students and other health care professionals through preceptorship, role modelling and knowledge development and exchange in clinical practice, in classroom environments, and community environments to foster health care partnerships.

Develops implements, and evaluates policies and procedures related to nursing, interdisciplinary care, and health system practices.

Completes Encounter Records for the purpose of evaluating Nurse Practitioner implementation as a requirement of the Ministry Of Health.

Performs other duties as required.