Reporting to the Director of assigned healthcare team, collaborates with physicians to direct medical interventions. Serves as a specialty area expert and consultant to staff, patients, families and operational team who work in various clinical settings. Functions as an advanced practitioner, educator, role model, consultant and researcher for patients, families and staff. Acts as a change agent and case management consultant in the healthcare delivery system to improve the quality of care across the continuum. Revises plans of care as indicated.  


1. Performs the following APP functions specific to the areas served:
• Performs routine, diagnostic, therapeutic and invasive surgical procedures.
• Prepares and records patient history, performs physical examinations and assists with pre-admission testing for assigned surgical specialty service patients and explains procedures to patients.
• Develops inpatient and outpatient care. Participates in post-procedure follow up and writes orders for appropriate medical care.
• Acts as a first or second assist in the operating room.

2. Serves as expert clinician and client advocate in specialty. Provides direct patient care to include comprehensive clinical assessment, diagnosing, planning and prescribing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of health problems, health promotion and preventive care within specialized area of practice; administers medication where appropriate. Collaborates with physicians and health care team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Demonstrates expertise in performing designated privileges per supervisory agreement with physician(s) and as defined by Northwest Community Hospital.

3. Identifies expected outcomes from assessment data and diagnosis and individualizes expected outcomes with the client and health care team when appropriate. Develops a comprehensive plan of care that includes interventions and treatments. Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies as appropriate.

4. Provides comprehensive clinical coordination of care resulting in integration of health care that is accessible, high quality and cost effective. Assists in developing and updating critical pathways. Develops strategies to minimize or resolve variances. Collaborates with health care team to redesign processes to optimize quality and financial outcomes. Explores strategies to reduce length of stay and resource consumption. Assists with discharge planning by identifying potential patient discharge needs during hospitalization.

5. Consults with staff in assessing, defining interventions and problem solving on complex patient care cases. Provides consultation, direction and support to staff, patient and family in addressing ethical and legal concerns. Consults to enhance the abilities of others and effect change in the system.

6. Demonstrates evidence-based practice. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards of practice in specialty area with multidisciplinary team. Provides staff education as indicated.

7. Assesses learning needs of patients and families across the continuum. Employs strategies, interventions and teaching to promote, maintain and improve health and prevent illness and injury.

8. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of service line goals. Supports strategic plan of the organization.

9. Adheres to all Northwest Community Healthcare policies and procedures.

For Physician Assistants:
1. The completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

2. Minimum 1-year recent acute care experience in a hospital setting preferred.

3. Current Illinois Physician Assistant license.

4. Current certification by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

5. Prescriptive authority and controlled substance licensure as needed.

6. Successfully completes hospital Physician Assistant credentialing process.

7. The critical thinking skills necessary to perform physical assessment of patients, initiate appropriate clinical interventions and evaluate patient response.
 
8. The interpersonal skills necessary to relate effectively with various levels of hospital personnel.
 
9. The leadership and organizational skills necessary to participate in program improvement teams/projects and educational program development skills.

For Nurse Practitioners:
1. The completion of a Master’s Degree in Nursing.

2. Certified as a Nurse Practitioner.

3. Demonstrated expertise with a minimum of three years of nursing clinical experience in the area of specialty.

4. Current Illinois nursing license. Advance Practice Nursing license.

5. State controlled substance license and DEA license if defined in privileging agreement.

6. The critical thinking skills necessary to perform physical assessment of patients, initiate appropriate clinical interventions and evaluate patient response.
 
7. The interpersonal skills necessary to relate effectively with various levels of hospital personnel.
 
8. The leadership and organizational skills necessary to participate in program improvement teams/projects and educational program development skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Light physical effort is required. May require frequent periods of standing and walking. May require frequent lifting of lightweight material, or rarely lifting or moving of heavy weight material.

2. Flow of work and character of duties requires concentrated mental/visual attention most of the time; or concentrated visual and mental attention with manual dexterity for sustained periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Normal office, patient care, and classroom environment.