POSITION SUMMARY:

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered and credentialed advanced practice professional nurse who provides preoperative assessment and nursing services under the direction of the Director of the Medical Evaluation Center and in collaboration with the Anesthesiologists in consultation. The primary goal of the Nurse Practitioner is to ensure patient optimization prior to surgery. This is accomplished by directing care to individuals and families as well as coordinating care between anesthesiologists, surgeons, and additional providers. This provider should maintain professional standards in keeping with the mission statement of the Department of Anesthesia.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides responsive and proper medical care to patients. In collaboration with patients and families, participates in developing a plan of care based on an assessment of physical, emotional and social needs and communicates the management of care with the patient, family, and health professionals.
1. Conducts preoperative patient visits and evaluates complex patients prior to surgery. Visits include a complete medical history and review of systems. The NP also reconciles medication lists, performs physical examinations, and assesses pertinent data to ensure preoperative optimization prior to surgery. If additional data is required, the NP will coordinate obtaining the necessary information. Reviews the risks, benefits, and alternatives to anesthesia.
2. Conducts preoperative patient calls to evaluate complex patients prior to surgery. Calls include a complete medical history and review of systems. The NP also reviews or reconciles medication lists and assesses pertinent data to ensure preoperative optimization prior to surgery. If additional data is required, the NP will coordinate obtaining the necessary information.
3. Performs preoperative assessments on the day of surgery. This includes a complete medical history and review of systems, medication review, and focused physical examination, including cardiopulmonary and airway assessment. The NP reviews the risks, benefits, and alternatives to anesthesia.
4. Occasionally conducts preoperative assessments for inpatients. Responsibilities as above.
5. Documents through clear and concise notes all the pertinent information regarding the patient history, treatments, goals and educational needs.
6. Communicates with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other providers in a timely manner regarding findings from assessment to assist in perioperative planning.
7. Insert intravenous line prior to surgery as needed.
8. Occasionally offers assistance to other departments within the hospital while acting within scope of practice.
9. Under HIPAA guidelines, maintains patient right to privacy, assures patient dignity in the provision of care, serves as the patient advocate through documentation and communication, and respects the guidelines found in the Patient Bill of Rights.
10. Adheres to the Infection Control, Health and Safety of patients assigned for consultation in the Anesthesia Department.
2. Acts as a resource and liaison to other departments and health care professionals regarding the perioperative care of patients.
1. Utilizes support staff appropriately and organizes work schedule to increase efficiency and meet the patient needs of the Anesthesia Department while taking responsibility for utilizing and conserving resources appropriately.
3. Attends meetings, workshops, conventions and continuing education to enrich personal knowledge and enhance professional growth, and to maintain skills in providing perioperative clinical care for patients.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to both out-patient and in-patient settings

Universal Precautions and appropriate personal protective equipment required due to potential exposure to environmental hazards and infectious materials

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to lift light to moderate weights (25-50 pounds)

Able to push stretchers, beds, wheelchairs

Able to move rapidly between nursing units and treatment rooms

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Masters of Science in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing.

Licensed and currently registered as a professional nurse in the expanded role of Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts.

Currently certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)

Prefer a minimum of three years nursing experience including medical/surgical skills.

Prefer a minimum of three years experience in the Nurse Practitioner role or equivalent experience

Demonstrates leadership abilities, able to work under stressful situations, and process well-developed verbal and written communication skills.