Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Louisiana ENT Specialists•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

The Nurse Practitioner provides health care services to patients under the direction of a physician. Nurse Practitioners are academically and clinically trained to perform many routine, time-consuming tasks typically performed by physicians, are accountable for their own actions, and are accountable to their supervising physicians. The role promotes and maintains patient health through medical services beginning with an initial consultation and continuing with ongoing care and assessment. The Nurse Practitioner examines patients, takes medical histories, records results, makes preliminary diagnoses or determines follow-up procedures, and documents care in patient and department records. The position also includes ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests; performing therapeutic procedures; developing and implementing care plans; counseling and educating patients; prescribing medications within applicable state guidelines and clinic regulations; and assisting physicians with emergency treatments and complex procedures. The Nurse Practitioner monitors patients during office visits, pre- and post-surgery visits, and interactions with other medical specialists; implements physician directives; consults supervising physicians as appropriate; and communicates compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues. The role also requires maintaining a safe and clean work environment, following infection-control protocols, complying with legal and professional requirements, and maintaining professional knowledge through continuing education and professional activities.

Requirements

Current RN license.
Master’s degree in Nursing.
Two years of experience in a clinical setting.
State accreditation based on a certifying examination.
Continued employment requires 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and passing a recertification examination every six years.

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain patient health through initial consultations and ongoing care and assessment.
Examine patients, take medical histories, record results, and make preliminary diagnoses or determine follow-up procedures.
Document patient care services in patient and department records.
Administer and order diagnostic tests, including x-rays, electrocardiograms, and blood work, and interpret test results.
Perform therapeutic procedures such as immunizations, injections, suturing, wound care, and infection management.
Use professional judgment to consult supervising physicians about appropriate treatment.
Develop and implement patient care plans, instruct and counsel patients, and record progress.
Prescribe medications within state guidelines and clinic regulations.
Provide general health education about topics such as diet, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
Assist physicians with emergency treatments and more complex procedures, and submit details of patients’ medical issues and histories to attending doctors for consultation.
Implement physician directives and monitor patients during office visits, pre- or post-surgery visits, or interactions with medical specialists.
Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues in stressful treatment settings.
Counsel patients and their families about treatments and patient management plans.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protect patients and employees by following infection-control policies and protocols.
Comply with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements, and advise management on actions needed to meet those requirements.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, personal networks, and professional societies.