A Brief OverviewThe Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides comprehensive care for pediatric patients through direct medical/nursing care to include: health promotion, health supervision, illness prevention and diagnosis, treatment and management of various health problems and conditions. The APRN/NP is a clinical expert, mentor and educator, leader, collaborator, and researcher. On-call responsibilities vary depending upon the clinic assignment.
Essential Functions- Assesses patient, synthesizes and analyzes data, orders diagnostic tests and therapeutic treatments, and evaluates clinical outcomes.
- Completes an accurate assessment (history and physical examination) of the pediatric patient.
- Syntheses and analyses data obtained through assessment to develop a comprehensive plan of care that is individualized and reflects patient care needs and includes interventions and treatments to attain expected outcomes.
- Implements plan by writing appropriate medical orders.
- Uses jointly approved protocols appropriately, if required.
- Evaluates and revises plan as indicated by changes in patient condition or needs.
- Communicates medical plan to caregivers, staff members and physicians.
- Demonstrates proper use of laboratory and x-ray to assist in diagnosis and interprets results correctly.
- Demonstrates understanding of caregiver dynamics involved in the ill pediatric patient.
- Utilizes the nursing process to meet the development and psychosocial needs of the pediatric patient/caregiver.
- Assesses the educational needs of patients/caregivers and develops/implements the educational plan in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
- Uses sound medical/clinical judgment during care for the pediatric patient.
- Consults/collaborates with physicians as indicated.
- Uses jointly approved protocols to guide decision making, if required.
- Stays within Scope of Practice.
- Documents assessments, plan of care, interventions and patient response to treatment.
- Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications according to the State of Nebraska APRN/NP Statutes.
- Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications, related to health conditions within scope of practice.
- Assumes leadership role to establish and monitor standards of practice to improve patient care including recommending ways to improve clinical practice, participation in related educational activities, utilizes and/or participates in research, participation in professional organizations and performance improvement teams, and incorporation of new clinical information into practice.
- Serves as a role model for staff by facilitating, supporting, mentoring, taking initiative, and practicing proactive problem solving.
- Serves as a reliable and visible resource for staff.
- Conducts or utilizes research and new clinical information to recommend ways to improve clinical practice.
- Participates in educational activities and networking related to practice.
- Seeks experiences and learning opportunities related to practice.
- Participates in professional organizations.
- Serves on Performance Improvement teams as needed.
- Assures that clinical practice meets national standards of pediatric healthcare.
- Coordinates project or program development and effective implementation.
- Regular attendance at work is an essential function of the job.
- Perform physical requirements as described in the Physical Requirements section
Education Qualifications- Education as required by Department of Health and Human Services-Regulation and Licensure Credentialing Division as represented by APRN licensure in the state of Nebraska Required
Experience Qualifications- Minimum of 2 years experience as a Registered Nurse, APRN, or NP in Psychiatric Patient Care Required
Skills and Abilities- Knowledge of psychological principles, child and adolescent development, inter-relational dynamics, individual and group behavior, and behavior modification techniques.
- Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and families, physicians, and other clinical professionals to gather and exchange patient information.
- Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 90% of work time when providing therapy, observing patient response, scoring tests, and documenting patient progress.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skill in providing age-appropriate care to children, adolescents, adults and families.
Licenses and Certifications- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license in state of Nebraska Upon Hire Required and
- Health Services\BCLS - Basic Life Support through the American Heart Association Upon Hire Required and
- DEA License within 30 Days Required and
- Current certification as a Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body Upon Hire Required and
