Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant - Virtua Health NICU

In collaboration with an attending physician, the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant is responsible for the direct care and follow-up of a population of patients that matches his/her delineation of privileges and skill set.

This care is delivered in defined inpatient and hospital-outpatient areas.

The components of the role include clinical practice, consultation, professional development, education, and research.

The NPs in these roles may be required to have acute/critical care education and certification.

The appropriate education/certification will be determined by the scope of the role in a particular practice area.

What you will do

Assesses the complex acute, critical and chronically ill patient for urgent and emergent conditions. Uses relevant data to evaluate for physiologic instability. Utilizes the data to formulate a plan of care.

Performs therapeutic interventions to stabilize acute and critical health problems. Specific interventions are listed in the Scope of Practice Document and approved as a part of the credentialing/privileging process.

Analyzes the indications, contraindications, risk of complications and cost-benefits of therapeutic interventions.

Manages the plan of care through evaluation, modification and documentation according to the patient's response to therapy. Manages changes in condition with a focus on optimizing the patient outcomes.

Incorporates health promotion, health protection and injury prevention measures into the plan of care within the context of the complex acute, critical and chronic illness.

Facilitates the patient's transitions between and within health care settings.

Serves as an educational resource to the patient/family, nursing staff, and provider team. Acts as a consultant to multidisciplinary health care team members.

Participates in scholarly activities including research and education. Participates in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate educational offerings. Participates in the professional development of others. Acts as a preceptor and mentor to support the development of nurses, nurse practitioners, students, and other health care providers.

Demonstrates a commitment to patient safety by speaking up about safety issues and changing practice to enhance safety. Shares errors or potential errors through system reporting mechanisms. Demonstrates shared accountability for safe practice.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to work in an inter-professional team setting with multiple responsibilities.

Ability to use computer and electronic medical records effectively.

Refer to Scope of Practice Document and Clinical Responsibilities Checklist for specific requirements of role.

Computer Competency

Basic use of a computer (mouse, keyboard, printer, USB ports).

Basic use of Microsoft Office (Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and Skype).

Web browsing, intranet search, document access.

Use of shared network file space.

Basic use of patient facing technology. (e.g. IV pumps, point of care devices, CR monitors).

Navigation and use of clinical communication systems.

Information Literacy

Determines the nature and extent of clinical information needed and uses the appropriate technology to access it.

Accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

Evaluates information and its sources critically and appropriately incorporates it into clinical practice.

Evaluates outcomes of the use of information.

Information Management Literacy

Navigation of the electronic health record system.

Ability to locate and review specific patient data in various clinical information systems.

Effectively uses clinical decision support tools.

Understands policies and procedures, confidentiality, security, and privacy regulations regarding the use of clinical information systems.

Ability to collect clinical data using quality improvement tools.