Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

The part-time Nurse Practitioner for Dermatology (20 hours per week) provides episodic and ongoing health care to the adolescent, adult, and geriatric University community with complaints of the skin. This position is under the supervision of the Senior Director for Nursing and Health Promotion as well as the day-to-day supervision of the Chief of Dermatology. He/she works interdependently with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and health assistants.

 Job-Specific Responsibilities

Assessment

• Interviews patients for assessment of current and/or ongoing problem/s, medications and allergies.

• Obtains and records health history in a systematic format. 

• Reviews medical record/summary for pertinent previous and current medical information. 

• Performs physical assessment relevant to current and/or ongoing health need/s. 

• Critically evaluates assessment, history and physical findings. 

Treatment Plan of Care

• After evaluation of health care needs plans for appropriate intervention, including primary management, health supervision, health education and referral. 

• Determines and documents diagnosis/s and appropriate therapeutic plan. 

• Updates problem and medication list as necessary. 

• Involves patient, family and multidisciplinary team in care when appropriate. 

• Demonstrates an ability to work effectively and communicate as needed with other members of the patient care team. 

• Prescribes appropriate medications with knowledge of mode of action, dosage, interactions, and side effects. 

Implementation

• Adheres to department standards, policies, procedures and protocols. 

• Implements appropriate therapeutic treatments and consults with supervising physician as required according to established guidelines. 

• Facilitates patient access through visits or telephone consults. 

• Responds to emergency situations according to policy.  

• Adheres to departmental guidelines regarding prescriptive practice. 

• Documents all care, including patient’s response to treatment provided, in a concise and complete manner. 

• Provides and documents patient/family education related to disease, health maintenance procedures, overall plan, medication and treatment regimens.  

• Routinely reviews with collaborating physician/s patterns of care and prescriptive practice. 

• Facilitates a smooth, organized flow of the clinic. 

• Demonstrates accountability for problem resolution. 

Evaluation

• Reevaluates plan of care as necessary 

• Monitors patient satisfaction and responds appropriately. 

• Maintains practice accessibility and efficiency. 

• Demonstrates improvements in personal performance and clinic operations based upon input from patient, family, team and supervisor. 

Professional Workplace Accountability

• Adheres to regulatory guidelines i.e. AAAHC, DPH, OSHA, etc. 

• Adheres to departmental and unit specific policies, procedures, clinical /prescriptive guidelines and protocols. 

• Maintains licensure and continuing education requirements. 

• Attends staff meetings and educational offerings required by the Department. 

• Participates in organizational performance improvement activities. 

• Plans for time off in advance. 

• Provides proper notification for absences or tardiness. 

• Is dependable, punctual and prepared for duties at start of shift. 

• Cooperates and complies with goals/projects of clinic and department. 

• Maintains professional conduct and appearance. 

• Performs related duties as required.

Age-Specific Competencies

• Prescribes and/or administers medications according to patient age and with the knowledge of action, mode of administration, side effects, contraindications and departmental policies. 

• Determines pregnancy status in the adolescent and adult female patient prior to prescribing and/or administering inoculations. 

• Provides age specific patient education  

• Explains procedures to the adolescent patient using correct terminology and includes parents/family in teaching as necessary. 

• Encourages and supports self-care in the adult patient to maintain function and independence. 

• Recognizes geriatric age related changes in sensory and perceptual abilities and adjusts communication style to meet individual geriatric needs. 

• Maintains a safe environment based upon physical and psychological function of the geriatric patient. 

Compliance

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.  

• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.  

• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.  

• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer. 

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

• Ability to stand for extended periods