Advanced Practitioner

Eastern Nephrology Associates•Wilmington, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Practitioner is a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant providing acute care to patients with chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and end-stage renal disease in an inpatient hospital setting. The patient population is highly diverse and resource challenged. In collaboration with a nephrologist, the practitioner assesses patients, orders and interprets diagnostic and laboratory tests, makes diagnoses, and initiates and manages treatment plans. Clinical care may include hemodialysis, plasmapheresis, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), peritoneal dialysis, vascular access, and management of pre- and post-renal-biopsy orders and interventions. The practitioner may prescribe medications and non-pharmacologic treatments, coordinate care with patients, families, and communities, and provide counseling and education. The role also supports nursing and licensed medical staff in applying best practices and evidence-based care. This is an on-site, patient-facing role requiring in-office presence for real-time collaboration, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data under HIPAA. Work is performed in office, hospital, and dialysis medical environments, with a moderate noise level and a high risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. Travel may be required for training, professional meetings, education, and support across office, hospital, and dialysis locations. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Advanced practitioners are accountable to patients, their professional organizations, and state boards, and are expected to practice ethically and consistently with evidence-based principles and current standards. The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Nurse Practitioner applicants must complete graduate education at the master's, post-master's, or doctoral level in a nationally accredited program and hold successful national board certification.
Nurse Practitioner applicants must have an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice; preference is given to FNP, ANP, AGNP, or ACNP certification.
Nurse Practitioner applicants must hold national board certification through ANCC or AANP, a valid unrestricted North Carolina RN license, initial Nurse Practitioner Approval to Practice, and good standing with the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Physician Assistant applicants must complete a Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or its successor and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the NCCPA.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and ACLS are required and must be maintained.
Must maintain continuing education and complete requirements to maintain a clear, unrestricted professional license before its expiration.
Must have a clear criminal history.
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to support multiple office, hospital, and dialysis unit locations as necessary.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with Electronic Health Records; must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Must maintain patient confidentiality and medical records in accordance with HIPAA.
Must be able to practice autonomously and in coordination with healthcare professionals and others.
Must be able to provide a broad range of healthcare services, including diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems.
Must be comfortable with health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling.
Must have general knowledge of healthcare research methodology and interdisciplinary consultation.
Must communicate effectively in speech and writing, prepare clear and concise patient documentation, and maintain excellent records.
Must be proactive and able to manage workload, make independent decisions, attend to detail, organize resources, and establish priorities.
Must recognize social determinants affecting health, access to care, and patient engagement.
Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and work effectively with diverse constituencies in a resource-challenged community.
Must be able to handle multiple task assignments, concentrate on details, and deal with constant interruptions.
Must attend and complete required in-service training.
Must be flexible in scheduling and assignments to meet organizational needs.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the role, including hearing, visual acuity, talking, fine motor activities, extended stationary or standing periods, repetitive computer data entry, and traversing multiple campus locations.

Nice To Haves

Hospital experience is preferred but not required.
Strong patient advocacy skills are desired.

Responsibilities

Assess patients and manage cases, including constructing and interpreting medical histories, performing physical assessments, evaluating patient behavior, and performing and interpreting selected laboratory tests.
Identify problems and develop and implement treatment plans for patients with acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage renal disease.
Order and schedule laboratory studies, diagnostic procedures, and services, including changes in immunosuppression, renal biopsies, inpatient and outpatient dialysis, and home health care.
Explain the necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to patients.
Seek advice from the collaborating physician when a case falls outside agency protocols.
Refer patients to outside physicians for consultation or to specialized health resources for treatment or clinical management.
Document patient encounters.
Coordinate care and provide counseling and education to patients, families, and communities.
Provide expertise and support to nursing and licensed medical staff caring for patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.