Nurse Practitioner - Physician Assistant - Urgent Care

Ochsner Clinic Foundation•Kenner, LA

About The Position

The Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner works as part of an interprofessional team to provide efficient, high-quality, cost-effective care in outpatient clinics, telehealth visits, and occupational medicine. The role works under the supervision of a Medical Director in a collaborative practice model, within licensing, credentialing, and granted privileges. The clinician obtains patient histories, conducts assessments through interviews, observation, and physical examinations, and orders and interprets diagnostic testing as needed. They provide direct patient care and manage health conditions using prescriptive authority or referrals to other healthcare providers. The position participates in quality improvement initiatives, staff development and education, patient and caregiver education, and ongoing professional development. The clinician provides care appropriate to the physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs of patients served, including pediatric patients age six months and older. Clinics typically have single- or double-provider coverage, and the role requires independent work and a flexible schedule that includes weekend and holiday coverage. The role includes routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, specimens that may contain communicable diseases, and potential exposure to hazardous medications or waste in the healthcare environment. It is classified as Medium Work, involving exertion of 20–50 pounds occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Nursing for the nurse practitioner pathway.
Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduation from an approved Physician Assistant training program, for the physician assistant pathway.
State-of-practice APRN license and applicable ANCC/AANP certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, or as an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
State-of-practice Physician Assistant license and NCCPA certification for the physician assistant pathway.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligibility for prescriptive authority in the state of practice, as outlined by the State Board of Nursing.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and information retrieval; proficiency with Windows-style applications, role-specific software, and keyboard use.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at the department and campus/system level.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel between facilities.
Ability to work independently in clinics typically staffed by one or two providers.
Ability to meet the physical demands of Medium Work, including lifting or exerting force as described.
Ability to work in a patient-care environment with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, communicable disease risks, and potential exposure to hazardous medications or waste.

Nice To Haves

Three years of related work experience.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Medical Examiner Certification and registration with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Responsibilities

Obtain patient histories and perform assessments through interviews, observation, and physical examinations.
Order and interpret diagnostic testing as needed and provide direct patient care and management of health conditions using prescriptive authority or referrals.
Deliver patient care using approved medical practices and criteria appropriate to patients’ physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
Order and interpret radiology tests, point-of-care and laboratory testing, and read EKGs.
Perform minor procedures, including lacerations and incision and drainage of abscesses.
Provide care to pediatric patients age six months and older.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and maintain an attitude of inquiry toward medical practices and patient care outcomes; may develop research methodology.
Educate patients, families, staff, other health professionals, and the community.
Train and educate staff, including new advanced practice providers and students.
Adapt communication and care to the needs of each patient population, including respecting privacy, explaining services or procedures, and requesting permissions.
Remain knowledgeable about and comply with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or compliance concerns.
Perform other related duties as required.
Travel throughout and between facilities as needed.
Work a flexible schedule that includes weekend and holiday coverage.