The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)/Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides comprehensive care for pediatric patients through direct medical/nursing care to include: health promotion, health supervision, illness prevention and diagnosis, treatment and management of various health problems and conditions. The APRN/NP is a clinical expert, mentor and educator, leader, collaborator, and researcher. On-call responsibilities vary depending upon the clinic assignment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses patient, synthesizes and analyzes data, orders diagnostic tests and therapeutic treatments, and evaluates clinical outcomes.
• Completes an accurate assessment (history and physical examination) of the pediatric patient.
• Syntheses and analyses data obtained through assessment to develop a comprehensive plan of care that is individualized and reflects patient care needs and includes interventions and treatments to attain expected outcomes.
• Implements plan by writing appropriate medical orders.
• Uses jointly approved protocols appropriately, if required.
• Evaluates and revises plan as indicated by changes in patient condition or needs.
• Communicates medical plan to caregivers, staff members and physicians.
• Demonstrates proper use of laboratory and x-ray to assist in diagnosis and interprets results correctly.
• Demonstrates understanding of caregiver dynamics involved in the ill pediatric patient.
• Utilizes the nursing process to meet the development and psychosocial needs of the pediatric patient/caregiver.
• Assesses the educational needs of patients/caregivers and develops/implements the educational plan in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Uses sound medical/clinical judgment during care for the pediatric patient.
• Consults/collaborates with physicians as indicated.
• Uses jointly approved protocols to guide decision making, if required.
• Stays within Scope of Practice.
• Documents assessments, plan of care, interventions and patient response to treatment.
• Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications according to the State of Nebraska APRN/NP Statutes.
• Prescribes therapeutic measures and medications, related to health conditions within scope of practice.
• Assumes leadership role to establish and monitor standards of practice to improve patient care including recommending ways to improve clinical practice, participation in related educational activities, utilizes and/or participates in research, participation in professional organizations and performance improvement teams, and incorporation of new clinical information into practice.
• Serves as a role model for staff by facilitating, supporting, mentoring, taking initiative, and practicing proactive problem solving.
• Serves as a reliable and visible resource for staff.
• Conducts or utilizes research and new clinical information to recommend ways to improve clinical practice.
• Participates in educational activities and networking related to practice.
• Seeks experiences and learning opportunities related to practice.
• Participates in professional organizations.
• Serves on Performance Improvement teams as needed.
• Assures that clinical practice meets national standards of pediatric healthcare.
• Coordinates project or program development and effective implementation.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESKnowledge of psychological principles, child and adolescent development, inter-relational dynamics, individual and group behavior, and behavior modification techniques.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients and families, physicians, and other clinical professionals to gather and exchange patient information.
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to 90% of work time when providing therapy, observing patient response, scoring tests, and documenting patient progress.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in providing age-appropriate care to children, adolescents, adults and families.
• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEMasters degree from an accredited college or university in Nursing required.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Registered Nurse, APRN, or NP in Psychiatric Patient Care required.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license in state of practice is required. If state of practice is not Nebraska, APRN license in the state of Nebraska is required within 6-months of hire.
• Other state licenses as an APRN may be required based on business needs.
• Current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association is required.
• Federal Drug Education Administration (DEA) license required.
• Current certification as a Behavioral Health nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body.
• Current and valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred

EOE/Vet/Disabled