Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - General Surgery/Trauma - Full Time

Major Responsibilities :

• Evaluates patient upon admission. Elicits a personal medical history, performs an appropriate physical exam and records and presents pertinent patient data to the physician prior to surgery.
• Functions as a surgical first assistant in the operating room, including pre and post-operative intervention.
• Ensures proper preparation, placement and secure maintenance of solution delivery lines.
• Assists surgeon with : diagnostic procedures, preparation of surgical site and equipment; insertion / removal of intravenous (IV), lines, catheters, tubes, drains, and sutures.
• Orders, performs, and interprets procedures and diagnostic tests or studies, in the field of clinical specialty trained and determined competent by a physician, to manage simple conditions such as those produced by infection or trauma, as well as to assist in the management of more complex illness and injury.

Examples could include : bone marrow aspirations, biopsies and harvesting, spinal taps, thoracentesis and paracentesis, injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care.

• Prescribes, recommends and regulates pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies across multiple care settings, including controlled medications that are warranted by patient's diagnosis or changing medical condition per written physician practice agreement or protocols.
• Provides clinical direction to nursing staff regarding the continued care of patients. Follows through with nursing staff to ensure patient receives recommended care.

Maintains active communication with supervising physician.

• Instructs and counsels patients on operative procedures and physical and mental health including : diet, preventive health measures, health behaviors, self-care skills, disease, treatment options, and normal growth and development.
• Interprets and evaluates patient data as authorized by a physician for the purpose of determining management and treatment of patients.

Consults with physician as appropriate.

Adjusts patient care plan by reviewing and monitoring treatments and therapy plans. Prepares, dictates and signs patient care plans and summaries of patient care.

Maintains records according to established standards and guidelines.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his / her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and / or Certification Required :

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber license issued by the state of Wisconsin, and
• Nurse Practitioner (AANP) certification issued by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), or
• Nurse Practitioner (ANCC) certification issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required :

Master's Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required :

Typically requires 1 year of experience in a surgical first assist, or successful completion of a clinical rotation in surgery at the nurse practitioner level.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective member of a health care team.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high stress environment while managing multiple demands.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with and establish / build relationships with others.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and twist continuously throughout the workday.
• Must have functional speech, vision, touch, and hearing.
• Must be able to :
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to :
• push / pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Will be exposed to the following hazards : mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation as well as blood and body fluids;

therefore, protective clothing and equipment (i.e., goggles, lead apron, gloves, gowns, etc.) must be worn as necessary.

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Fine hand manipulation required when working with surgical equipment.
• Atmosphere in work environment may contain fumes and odors. Exposure to products containing latex.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.

Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.