Volunteer Nurse Practitioner

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION:   Responsible for providing direct primary care services under the indirect supervision of a physician.  This includes assessing and managing non-emergency patients in the clinic following established standards and practices while providing consultation and advice to others as a highly-specialized practitioner.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Reports to the Volunteer Coordinator and the Medical Director.

NEEDED FUNCTIONS:

1.	Performs a complete physical exam, obtains complete medical history and records findings. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Interprets and integrates data to determine preliminary diagnosis and therapeutic plan. 
2.	Administers medications and injections in compliance with state law and clinic guidelines. Sutures minor lacerations.
3.	Instructs patient/ family regarding medications and treatments. Educates patients regarding health and illness prevention. 
4.	Recommends community resources to meet patient and family needs.
5.	Collaborates with physicians in managing acute and long-term medical needs of patients. Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits. Maintains and reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information. Posts tests and examination results in the appropriate file. 
6.	Maintains patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.
7.	May participate in planning programs and in developing specific health policies and procedures.

The volunteer must demonstrate current competencies applicable to job position.

EDUCATION: BSN, MSN preferred, with the successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner program.

EXPERIENCE: Professional Nurse Practitioner clinical experience

REQUIREMENTS: Current state license.

KNOWLEDGE:

1.	Knowledge of professional nursing theory, practices and regulations to give and evaluate patient care.
2.	Knowledge of how to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
3.	Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish/maintain a safe work environment.

SKILLS:

1. 	Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing to         provide ongoing patient care.
2.   	Skill in taking medical histories to assess medical conditions and interpret findings.
3.   Skill in dealing with patients of ethnically diverse backgrounds.

ABILITIES:

1.	Ability to maintain quality control standards.
2.	Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
3.	Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
4.	Ability to communicate clearly and establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.
5.	Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others in a way that supports the center’s mission to share the love of Christ through quality healthcare to those in need.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS: 
•	Combination of exam rooms and medical offices. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment. 
•	 This position is classified as a Category 1 position under OSHA guidelines with high risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 10 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under stress in emergency situations and occasional irregular hours.

1.	Standing:  30% of the workday
2.	Sitting:  40% of the workday
3.	Walking:  20% of the workday
4.	Lifting:  10% of the workday

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.