NURSE PRACTITIONER (GERONTOLOGY) 20270
(Competitive)
Nurse Practitioners (Gerontology), as registered professional nurses with preparation in a specialized educational program, provide health care to patients and residents in an extended care facility. The work is characterized by the treatment of the chronically ill in an inpatient setting. Class dealing with the treatment of adults are titled Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care); classes dealing with the treatment of children are titled nurse Practitioner (Pediatrics).
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for providing health care, which consists of promotion and maintenance of health; prevention of illness and disability; basic care during acute and chronic phases of illness; guidance and counseling of individuals and families; and, referral to other health care providers when appropriate. The Nurse Practitioner is administratively responsible to nursing administration. The Nurse Practitioner assesses the physical and psychological status of patients by means of interview, health history, physical examinations and diagnostic tests. Contingent upon the medical protocol established between the Nurse Practitioner performing the services and the physician of record, the Nurse Practitioner may evaluate test findings, make initial diagnosis, and initiate appropriate action to facilitate the implementation of the therapeutic plan consistent with the continuing health care needs of the patient. In all cases, however, a licensed physician is accountable for the actions of the Nurse Practitioner and for the kind of patient care provided. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Performs nursing diagnosis and treatments of human responses toward actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being.
Obtains detailed medical histories of patients as directed by the attending physician to systematically collect data on patient background, current mental and physical condition, current medications or treatments, and other pertinent information.
Performs physical examinations of patients as directed by and under the direct supervision of the attending physician to assist in assessment of the health status of the individual.
Reviews cases with the physician to discuss findings and to devise a plan of patient care covering both medical and nursing aspects of each case.
Provides instruction to professional nursing staff and other health personnel to assist in their understanding of patient care plans and specific types of treatment or medication and to improve skills and technical training of staff for the overall improvement of quality patient care.
Discriminates between normal and abnormal findings and makes appropriate referrals to physician for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment as needed.
Participates with the physician in the delineation of standard treatment regimens which will guide the Nurse Practitioner in the management of individual health programs.
Observes signs and symptoms associated with changes in the physical and emotional health of patients and institutes appropriate nursing measures and/or contacts a physician to report assessments.
Under the direct supervision of the attending physician, orders routine and laboratory tests, such as CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis, serology, and so on.
Serves as a resource person to other health team members in participating in patient care services.
Instructs, counsels and guides patients, their families and others in understanding the problems and the treatments involved in the care of the patient.
Participates in staff meetings to discuss specific patient problems and changes in policies or procedures in order to maintain staff communication and cooperation in finding solutions and assuring the highest quality of care for patients.
May develop and implement in-service training programs as needed for which the Nurse Practitioner is qualified.
May supervise and assist in the training of students from nurse practitioner programs.
May perform the duties of a Nursing Supervisor on a temporary basis if qualified.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of nursing principles and techniques and their relation to medical practice.
Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of preventive and public health care inclusive of those skills required to develop and implement a plan of primary health care to meet patient needs.
Thorough knowledge of abnormal signs and symptoms relating to physical and emotional health.
Thorough knowledge of nurse practitioner skills, particularly those skills associated with gerontology.
Good knowledge of the routines, practices and policies of the agency assigned.
Skill in clinical nursing practices and techniques.
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms associated with changes in the physical and emotional health of patients and ability to respond appropriately.
Ability to perform physical examinations and to assess the physical condition of patients.
Ability to explain or interpret instructions of a technical and professional nature in sufficient detail to patients, families, nursing staff or other personnel depending upon assignment.
Ability to supervise the administration of therapeutic measures prescribed. Ability to deal empathetically with problems external to the condition of the patient.
Ability to instruct personnel in the techniques and practices of patient care in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to work well with all levels of personnel and to apply leadership skill.
Ability to understand and carry out technical oral and written instructions.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a license and current registration from the New York State Education Department as a Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in one of the following areas:
1. Gerontology; or,
2. Adult Health, or,
3. Family Health
5/03 Revised