Nurse Practitioner-Per Diem

The Veterans Home at Holyoke is seeking an experienced, compassionate and committed nursing professional for our per-diem Nurse Practitioner (NP) vacancy. The per-diem NP screens and provides general medical care to our Veteran residents. This position works under the supervision of a licensed physician at the Veterans’ Home (in compliance with Mass law) who will assign work, review performance, and report compliance with professional standards.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Diagnoses and/or treats common illnesses by screening residents and referring, as appropriate, to consultant and/or specialists; ordering appropriate diagnostic procedures, such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms; and by determining the type of medication and dosage needed to treat health conditions    

• Develops initial and ongoing resident histories through interviews and by recording health, social and other pertinent data.

• Develops treatment plans for assigned residents, including immunization.
• Initiates treatment in an emergency in coordination with care team.
• Works with interdisciplinary team care team in providing primary care to assigned residents.
•  Records and evaluates resident data in progress notes as well as annual history and physical assessments, in order to make appropriate medical  recommendations
•  Counsels residents, family and staff on resident medical issues.
•  Confers with physicians when appropriate to review the residents’ medical conditions and their treatments.
•  Contacts personnel at other institutions or medical facilities, for various services such as tests, consultations, and referrals.
•  Maintains current knowledge of nursing practitioner practices by attending conferences, in service training, and continuing education  programs.
•  Completes and submits billing for encounters in an accurate and timely manner.
•   Understands and adheres to professional and ethical standards.
•   Participates in process improvement to ensure compliance with current standards.
•   Provides medical care in accordance with regulatory standards and guidelines. 
•   Maintains a current, valid Massachusetts nurse practitioner license with appropriate Massachusetts and DEA controlled substance    registrations. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE:

•                Knowledge of disease processes pertinent to the residents of the Veterans Home.
•                Knowledge of clinical pharmacology, including drug interactions and side effects.
•               Knowledge of the types of diagnostic testing and their indications.
•               Knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing.
•               Knowledge of the standard nursing methods and techniques.
•               Ability to perform medical histories and physical examinations.
•               Ability to work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, including rehabilitation and social services.
•               Ability to counsel residents and families.
•               Ability to analyze medical data, draw appropriate conclusions, and make recommendations accordingly.
•               Ability to gather information by observation, intervi