APP-Clinical Decision Unit (CDU), Emergency Department (Day Shift)

Denver Health•Denver, CO

2d•$148,100 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are recruiting for a mission-driven APP-Clinical Decision Unit (CDU), Emergency Department (Day Shift) to join our team! We're with you for life’s journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey. Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department Emergency Department Physician Emergency Department Clinical Decision Unit Advanced Practice Provider (PA/NP) Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Emergency Department Observation Unit Position Summary The Emergency Department Clinical Decision Unit Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, monitoring, and disposition planning for patients requiring extended observation following Emergency Department evaluation. The APP manages patients placed in observation status under established clinical pathways and evidence-based protocols, typically for stays up to 24 hours. Working collaboratively with Emergency Medicine physicians, consulting specialists, nursing staff, case management, rehabilitation services, and ancillary departments, the APP is responsible for ongoing patient assessment, treatment optimization, coordination of care, and determining appropriate discharge or admission disposition. This position offers an opportunity to provide high-quality, protocol-driven care while maintaining close collaboration with Emergency Medicine and inpatient teams.

Requirements

PAC-Certified Physician Assistant - NCCPA - National Commission for Certifying Agencies Required or NP-Nurse Practitioner - AANPCB - American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board Required
APN - Advanced Nurse Practitioner - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required or PA-Physician Assistant - State Medical Board Required
DEA registration (or eligibility).
Current BLS certification.
ACLS certification required or obtained within designated timeframe.
Minimum of one (1) year of hospitalist, emergency medicine, observation medicine, internal medicine or other equivalent inpatient/acute care experience as an APP.
Experience managing medically complex adult patients preferred.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of Emergency Medicine, Observation Medicine, or Hospital Medicine experience.
Experience with protocol-driven clinical pathways.
Strong skills in patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and disposition planning.
Familiarity with multidisciplinary care coordination and discharge planning processes.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive history and physical examinations on observation patients.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans within established observation pathways.
Monitor patient progress through serial assessments and reassessments.
Order, interpret, and act upon diagnostic studies including laboratory testing, imaging, and cardiac monitoring.
Initiate and manage evidence-based treatment protocols.
Perform medication reconciliation and adjust treatment plans as clinically indicated.
Identify patients requiring escalation of care and facilitate admission or specialty consultation when appropriate.
Coordinate safe and timely discharge planning.
Manage patients within established observation protocols, including but not limited to: Congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation, Cellulitis requiring oral antibiotic therapy, Hyperglycemia and diabetes-related management, Asthma exacerbation, COPD exacerbation, Syncope evaluation, Chest pain risk stratification, Transient ischemic attack (TIA) workup, Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, PT/OT evaluations and mobility assessments, Case management and placement evaluations, Other observation diagnoses as approved by department leadership.
Collaborate closely with Emergency Medicine physicians regarding patient management and disposition.
Coordinate care with consulting services, hospitalists, specialists, nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, case management, social work, and rehabilitation services.
Facilitate PT/OT assessments and recommendations.
Communicate treatment plans and discharge instructions effectively with patients and families.
Ensure timely transitions of care.
Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic medical record.
Maintain knowledge of observation medicine regulations, billing requirements, and quality metrics.
Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.
Support departmental goals related to patient throughput, length of stay, and patient satisfaction.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs.
Tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development.
Meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions.
Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
Tuition reimbursement & assistance
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer