GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides comprehensive care for the pediatric patient through direct medical/nursing care in collaboration with the physician 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

• In collaboration with physician(s), 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.

• 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.

• Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications according to the State of Nebraska APRN/NP Statutes. Performs select invasive procedures, as approved in his/her individualized Scope of Service, according to Children’s Hospital policy.
• Dispenses, incident to practice only, sample medications, which are provided by the manufacturer and are provided at no charge to the patient.
• Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications, except controlled substances listed as Schedule II, related to health conditions within scope of practice.
• Prescribes controlled substances listed as Schedule II, used as pain control for a maximum seventy-two hour supply, if subsequent renewal is required, such prescription is done by the physician.

• Performs select invasive procedures, as approved in his/her individualize Scope of Service, according to Children’s Hospital policy.
• Performs invasive procedures according to Children’s Hospital Policy/Procedure.
• Appropriately documents invasive procedures according to Children’s Hospital Policy/ Procedure.
• Maintains accurate record log of procedures performed.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Accepts and completes additional assignments willingly.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Satisfy all relevant criteria and qualifications outlined in the Medical Staff Policy on Allied Health Professional, required to be credentialed.
• Possess an unrestricted license as a registered nurse, and as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse/Nurse Practitioner in the State of Nebraska.
• An Advanced Practice Nurse who does not have a master’s degree and two thousand (2,000) hours of supervised practice will be required to furnish proof of jointly approved protocols with collaborating physician, which shall guide the nurse practitioner’s practice.
• Certification of Basic Life Support; Pediatric Advanced Life Support/Neonatal Resuscitation Program as determined by work area.
• Practice within framework of respective scope of practice.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education as required by Department of Health and Human Services-Regulation and Licensure Credentialing Division as represented by ARPN licensure in the State of Nebraska.
• Maintain active Federal DEA License.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as Registered Nurse, APRN, or NP.