09/14/2013 30431

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE PRACTITIONER

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional nursing work in the medical care and treatment of individuals at a commonwealth facility, which includes acts of medical diagnosis or prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with and under the direction of a physician licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

An employee in this job is responsible for a broad range of health care services including medical diagnosis and prescription of therapeutic measures, promotion and maintenance of health, prevention of illness and disability, care during phases of illness, injury recovery, guidance and counseling of individuals and families, and referral to other health care providers and community resources. Work is performed under the direction of a licensed physician via a written collaborative agreement and is received in the form of oral and written instructions, standing orders and protocols. Supervision of medically-related activities is received from a licensed physician who reviews work through conferences, record audits, and reports for effectiveness, compliance with standards, and adherence to the Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners regulations and advanced nursing practices. General supervision is received from a facility administrator.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs comprehensive assessments of individuals and establishes medical diagnoses.

Develops individualized health profiles by taking and assessing health and developmental histories and performing physical examinations.

Orders, analyzes and evaluates diagnostic tests and interprets medical diagnoses in accordance with established medical protocols.

Develops, orders and evaluates comprehensive primary medical treatment plans and initiates adjustments and corrections.

Prescribes medications based on clinical indicators to treat symptoms and underlying causes of disorders and improve health status.

Identifies, measures, and monitors clinical and related outcomes to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the treatment plan.

Implements therapeutic procedures outlined in the comprehensive medical treatment plan, such as oxygen therapy and intravenous administration.

Performs a variety of minor procedures, such as suturing, splinting, and casting, as authorized.

Evaluates an individual’s capability to perform self-care activities and counsels an individual and his/her family as to the nature and course of illness, disability, medication regimen, tests, and treatment procedures.

Makes referrals to appropriate health care providers for more specialized care and collaborates with other health care disciplines to ensure continuity of care.

Performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, which include evaluation of mental health status, current and past history of violence, suicidal or self-harm behavior, substance use, level of functioning, health behaviors, trauma, sexual behaviors, and social and developmental history.

Develops individual treatment plans in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary treatment team.

Provide care or assistance to residents or employees in emergency situations that occur on the premises.

Initiates and updates progress notes, discharge summaries, and other related reports.

Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the theories and practices of advanced professional nursing.

Knowledge of the theories and practices of preventive health care.

Knowledge of disease and disorder processes and their signs and symptoms.

Knowledge of techniques used in the performance of physical examinations.

Knowledge of techniques used to establish, monitor, and evaluate medical treatment plans.

Knowledge of the theories and practices of advanced pharmacology.

Ability to analyze and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests.

Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Certain positions in this job may require possession of a valid CRNP certification in a specific specialty area as required by the appointing agency.

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT: Certain positions in this job are required to obtain and maintain valid CRNP Prescriptive Authority Approval to prescribe and dispense drugs as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.