ADVANCED PRACTICE PROFESSIONALS – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), Section of Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Spine Nurse Practitioner (85001) or Physician Assistant (85101)

WVU Medicine

About The Position

The Advanced Practice Professional (APP) provides high-quality, patient-centered care as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR), Section of Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Spine. The APP assesses, diagnoses, treats, and manages patients within their scope of practice and specialty, working collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The role supports evidence-based care, positive patient outcomes, professional and regulatory standards, and the clinical, educational, and operational goals of the department and organization. The APP coordinates comprehensive care for PMR/MSK and spine patients, including biological, social, and psychological assessments. The APP coordinates involvement of medical and surgical specialty teams, develops and reviews plans of care with the clinical team, performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and coordinates follow-up and discharge planning as applicable. The position includes ambulatory care and, as applicable, inpatient rounds, consultations, and pre-procedural or surgical evaluations. The APP also participates in the education of residents and medical and nursing students. The position may be filled by a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. Nurse Practitioners must have a master's degree from a CCNE-accredited nursing program, recognized national APRN certification, and West Virginia RN and APRN licensure or eligibility. Physician Assistants must have a bachelor's or master's degree as a Physician Assistant, graduate from an ARC-PA-approved program, hold NCCPA certification, and have or be eligible for West Virginia licensure. Both require American Heart Association BLS certification. PMR or MSK/spine experience is preferred, but eligible new graduates will be considered. This is an exempt position with 40 scheduled hours per week. The work is based at University Health Associates in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Requirements

For Nurse Practitioners: Graduate of a CCNE-accredited nursing program with a master's degree in nursing.
For Nurse Practitioners: National certification by a recognized APRN certification center.
For Nurse Practitioners: West Virginia Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure or eligibility for licensure.
For Physician Assistants: Bachelor's or master's degree as a Physician Assistant.
For Physician Assistants: Graduate of an ARC-PA-approved Physician Assistant training program.
For Physician Assistants: Certification by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.
For Physician Assistants: Licensure or eligibility for licensure by the West Virginia Board of Medicine or West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
American Heart Association BLS certification; additional Advanced Life Support training may be required at the department's discretion.
Proficiency with computers.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to meet physical demands that include lifting, moving, stooping, reaching, positioning patients, standing, walking, and carrying patients, materials, and equipment weighing 40 pounds or more.

Nice To Haves

Physical medicine and rehabilitation or MSK/spine experience; eligible new graduates will be considered.
For Nurse Practitioners: FNP preferred; AGACNPs will also be considered.
For Physician Assistants: Master's-level Physician Assistant degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage comprehensive, individualized care for PMR/MSK/spine patients and their families in the ambulatory setting.
Complete daily rounds as applicable, consultations, and pre-procedural or surgical evaluations.
Complete integrated assessments and succinct comprehensive clinical evaluations, documenting findings in the medical record.
Collaborate with PMR/MSK/spine faculty or follow established clinical guidelines and protocols to order appropriate tests and consultations.
Perform diagnostic tests within scope of practice and established guidelines, and communicate results.
Consult and communicate with clinic and hospital staff about abnormal findings.
Coordinate patient disposition, services, tests, follow-up appointments, procedures, and referrals as applicable.
Develop individualized plans of care, including education, discharge and follow-up planning, and referrals to other healthcare team members.
Provide care across the age continuum covered by the APP’s education and certification.
Identify unstable or complex patient-care situations and facilitate appropriate intervention; recognize emergencies and initiate effective emergency care.
Assist with collecting outcome measures and coordinate follow-up procedures and tests in the ambulatory setting as applicable.
Use critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning to identify, evaluate, and manage the needs of patients and families.
Use equipment safely and base decisions on relevant scientific principles, standards of care, and research findings.
Educate nursing and hospital staff, students, patients, families, and the community using appropriate teaching strategies; support patient and family readiness and preferences for learning.
Maintain professional knowledge, complete clinical competencies, and serve as a resource for staff caring for PMR/MSK/spine patients.
Provide educational programs to professional and paraprofessional personnel and participate in community programs and distribution of literature as appropriate.
Document plans of care, interventions, and evaluations clearly and concisely in accordance with hospital/UHA policies and documentation standards.
Collaborate with leaders and staff on outcome-based care improvements and lead the development and implementation of practice changes that improve patient outcomes.
Work collaboratively with medical and nursing staff, support problem solving, participate in interdisciplinary care, program development, and education, and serve as a professional role model.
Promote innovation in the expanded APP role across inpatient and ambulatory care.
Participate in and provide leadership for committees and task forces.
Document hours and submit billing reports as appropriate.
Review and interpret pediatric PMR data from registries and clinical and financial reports, including length of stay, access to care, and cost per case, and recommend or implement changes as needed.
Participate in clinical trials and research studies with the Principal Investigator.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.