Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Rheumatology

General Summary:

To provide patient care in the Division of Rheumatology with particular focus on Rheumatologic lung disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout and Osteoporosis.  To provide regular health assessments, diagnosis, and management of common acute and chronic stable conditions.  To formulate plans that includes treatment, psychosocial support, health education and counseling.  To collaborate with other health professionals in assessing and managing health care problems, to maintain continuity of care and to coordinate community services. To contribute to the development, maintenance, evaluation, and change of the health care delivery system.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Provides quality care to patients, families, and significant others in appropriate setting, utilizing the nursing process in management of health maintenance, health promotion, chronic, and acute conditions.


2. Performs and documents the physical exam, takes patient history, gathers data from the medical record, reviews outside medical records, makes contact with referring physician(s), and develops an assessment and plan of care as specified above.


3. Acts as a consultant to nursing staff, medical staff, and other support services in identification of and implementation related to specified patient problems or needs.


4. Monitors progress of each patient and revises orders and care plans as needed and monitors test results.  Identifies problems that may need special attention or more acute care.


5. Writes progress notes and works with the attending physician to facilitate the review and approval of the clinical dictations for individual patient encounters.  Keeps problem sheets up-to-date and maintains communication with referring physicians and other health care providers as necessary.        


6. Demonstrates theory based patient care and a synthesis of information into a comprehensive plan of care utilizing a multidisciplinary approach.


7. Performs competencies (including age-specific competencies) as identified through the departmental competency program.


8. Implements care and services that recognize age-specific needs and issues for customers served.


9. Acts as a consultant and presents clinically current educational programs to requesting community groups, organizations, or individuals.


10. Contributes to the education of others by performing any 2 of the following:  (a) assists in the development and/or updating of approved teaching materials; (b) regularly participates in the Skills Review competency program serving as a reviewer; (c) participates in the presentation of one approved educational program, assuming a leadership role; (d) precepts undergraduate/graduate students or visiting professionals as requested. 


11. Participates in the development, data collection and analysis of team-based quality improvement projects, utilizing results to improve patient care.


12. Supports research projects that will contribute to patient care standards, staff development and the mission of the institution. 


13. Actively seeks out and shares current research &/or clinical practice guidelines to direct current nursing practice.


14. Functions as a role model and encourages professional behaviors in dealing with patients, families, significant others, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. 


15. Active contributor to the setting and achievement of departmental goals and objectives based upon a needs assessment and or changes in clinical practice.


16. Represents unit and/or the Department of Nursing on appropriate committees and interacts with community, regional, and national organizations related to nursing and specialty practice.


17. Consistently demonstrates positive customer & interdisciplinary relations as evidenced by: (a) less than 2 verified complaints per year and (b) assisting with problem-solving departmentally and on the unit. 


18. Abides by the applicable policies of National Jewish (e.g., clinical, IRB, hospital policies, etc.), agrees individually to comply with all laws, rules and regulations concerning advanced nursing practice, including but not limited to Joint Commission Medicare and Medicaid rules and regulations. 


19. Maintains current relevant provider license, maintains current BLS and/or ACLS or PALS certification and keeps up-to-date with changes in regulations.  Those staff assigned to triage or procedure areas must maintain either ACLS or PALS as appropriate.  Current license and relevant certifications must be provided to the appropriate supervisor.


20. Demonstrates respect for co-workers by timeliness, active listening, and positive conflict resolution.


21. Belongs to at least one professional nursing organization.


22. Performs all other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities

1. Performs, as directed, safety compliance and uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as needed.


2. Participates in Quality Assessment (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) programs, as directed.


3. Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission and all other Federal, State and Regulatory Agencies.


4. Responds promptly and sincerely to customer’s needs, requests and concerns via all communication forms using easily understood language and refraining from using inappropriate language and non-verbal gestures.


5. Maintains positive working relationships as a team player through problem solving issues, speaking positively about others, listening attentively and observing the Patient Bill of Rights and Confidentiality.


6. Increases customer service knowledge, skill and ability by participating in department and institution-wide specific programs.


7. Incorporates National Jewish’s identity (Science Transforming Life®) into daily functions.  Speaks positively about the institution, provides customers with prompt service, maintains a clean and safe working environment, dresses appropriately based upon National Jewish safety standards, and departmental policies and wears an ID badge visibly.

Management/Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education: Must have current Certification by a national certifying body as a nurse practitioner. Graduate degree preferred, but also required for all NPs who were not already on the Colorado Advanced Practice Registry as of June 30, 2008.  Graduation from accredited school of nursing required. 


2. Work Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of recent and related experience as a nurse practitioner preferred.  


3. Special Training, Certification and Licensure: Current Colorado RN license required, APN license required. Healthcare provider level CPR/BLS required every 2 years.  Staff assigned to high-risk areas (Cardiology, MIDC, PCU, Infusion Room) must maintain either ACLS or PALS as appropriate.  All certifications need to be from the American Heart Association.

Salary Range: $105,000 - $135,000

Benefits:

At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset. With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families.

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.


• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.


• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.


• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.


• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.


• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.


• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.


• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.


• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.


• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan


• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.
  
   

Application Deadline: This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.