APRN/PA - SICU

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The APRN/PA works as an integral member of the UAMS Surgical Intensive Care Team, collaborating with attending physicians and surgical residents to support continuity of care in the Surgical ICU. The position plans, implements, and evaluates health care treatments. Its scope includes daily rounds, procedures, monitoring patient progress, and educating patients and families. APRN/PAs coordinate care closely with case managers and social workers and serve as liaisons to bedside nurses and ancillary staff.

The position may be filled by either an APRN or a PA. The APRN pathway requires a master’s degree in nursing with an Acute Care focus, three years of nursing experience, Arkansas RN and APRN licenses, and national Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification. The PA pathway requires a master’s degree as a Physician Assistant, one year of acute-care PA experience, and a PA license. Preferred qualifications differ by pathway. Prescriptive authority and a DEA license must be obtained after hire for either pathway.

The role is based inside a medical facility and requires operating typical clinical and nursing equipment, complying with CDC Universal Precautions when indicated, and meeting the stated communication and sensory requirements. The position is subject to pre-employment screening, including criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• APRN pathway: Master’s degree in Nursing with an Acute Care focus.
• APRN pathway: Three years of nursing experience.
• APRN pathway: Active Registered Nurse license in Arkansas and APRN license.
• APRN pathway: National certification in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• PA pathway: Master’s degree as a Physician Assistant.
• PA pathway: One year of PA experience in Acute Care.
• PA pathway: PA license.
• Ability to operate typical nursing equipment essential to the job, including scales, procedure equipment, needles, blood pressure equipment, and EKG machines.
• Normal communication sensory capability.
• Ability to comply with CDC Universal Precautions when indicated.

Nice To Haves

• APRN pathway: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
• APRN pathway: Three years of APRN experience in Acute Care.
• APRN pathway: Nursing experience in leadership or independent practice roles.
• PA pathway: Three years of PA experience in Acute Care.
• PA pathway: Experience in leadership or independent practice roles.
• Prescriptive authority and DEA license must be obtained after hire.

Responsibilities

• Systematically gather information from sources for new and established patients, including medical history, diagnostic tests, physical examinations, and behavioral, developmental, and psychosocial assessments; distinguish normal from abnormal findings and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Use critical thinking and the nursing process to assess and identify patients’ and families’ long- and short-term physical, psychosocial, educational, and cultural needs.
• Provide ongoing and follow-up care and patient and family education.
• Interpret health assessment data and apply findings to direct patient care.
• Plan long- and short-term care using relevant knowledge and expertise, including pharmacologic and diagnostic treatments as needed.
• Prioritize patient and family needs to optimize health outcomes in a cost-efficient manner.
• Document health data, plans of care, and care according to policy.
• Systematically follow up to evaluate patient and family responses to the plan of care.
• Document patient and family outcomes, reassess, and modify the plan as needed to achieve health goals.
• Complete billing forms accurately, including ICD-10 diagnostic and CPT treatment codes, in accordance with federal and state laws and UAMS policy.
• Communicate with referring physicians, allied health providers, and hospital staff as appropriate.
• Ensure universal alcohol-use screenings for patients and provide interventions for patients who screen positive.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, including data collection, suggesting and implementing approved changes, measuring outcomes, and developing strategies to improve patient care delivery and cost effectiveness.
• Critically evaluate existing practice in light of current research findings.
• Disseminate relevant research findings through practice, publication, education, and/or consultation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for qualifying staff and family.
• Holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only).
• Retirement with up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training and educational opportunities.
• Merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using the UAMS pharmacy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level