Full Job Description
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of a physician, the Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing varied medical services for Neurology patients, which may include: obtaining complete medical history and performing a physical examination; ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and imaging studies; formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan; prescribing and/or dispensing medication; assisting invasive procedures; rounding on admitted patients; counseling patients and families, and other patient care duties. May be involved with a patient’s medical care in any role which the attending physician deems proper and consistent with applicable law, hospital regulations, delineation of privileges, and the Physician Assistant’s or Nurse Practitioner’s training, knowledge, skill, and experience.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:
- Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
- The PA/NP performs clinical duties in compliance with the scope of services defined by New York State.
- Working under the direction of the supervising/collaborating physician, is responsible for the initial assessment and admission of patients; responding to new consultations including stroke codes, assessing medical neurology patients, facilitating care of any consult or admitted Neurology patients, perform procedures, and helping prepare patients for discharge.
- Provides patient care management. Reviews history, performs physical assessment, formulates care plans, and follow-up. Orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests.
- Reviews and interprets routine diagnostic studies, including routine laboratory procedures and common radiological studies.
- Presents and discusses the findings of the initial evaluation with the Physician to determine the treatment plan. Documents the treatment plan and writes appropriate orders.
- Performs, as needed, basic care such as, phlebotomy, arterial blood gas sampling; insertion, removal and management of catheters; removal of staples and sutures, perform necessary wound care (i.e. debridement, dressing changes), etc.
- Makes rounds to evaluate patients and writes progress reports.
- Oversees the entire clinical experience to assure that there is coordination and consolidation of patient care plans and execution of those plans to tie the service together. Facilitates communication with other departments, rehabilitation, and care management team, to ensure the delivery of excellent cost effective and efficient patient care.
- Consults with physicians or surgeons regarding the care of patients for more complex diagnosis.
- May be authorized to write appropriate prescription orders, including those for narcotics, stimulants, and depressant drugs, and pre and postoperative orders as necessary.
- Records and maintains legible, accurate and confidential patient medical records including initial evaluation, subsequent follow-up, unusual incidents or problems, and patient progress to provide complete and up-to-date information for ongoing reference and evaluation. Prepares discharge documentation and post-discharge instructions.
- Educates patients and/or families about preventive and post-discharge care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatments and/or medications.
- Ensures treatment and consultations consistent with NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance), TJC (The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), and federal and state regulatory standards.
- Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
- Utilizes hospitals cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospitals mission and goals.
- Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
- Performs all other related duties as assigned
Education & Experience Requirements
Nurse Practitioner:
- Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school (highly recommended)
- Current NYS license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse.
- Current NYS certification as a Nurse Practitioner (either Adult/Geriatric).
- Maintains a current collaborative practice agreement.
- Current National Certification
- Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) recommended but not required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Proficiency in all procedures, techniques and skills approved in the delineation of privileges
Physician Assistant:
- Current New York State Licensed Physician Assistant
- Current National Certification
- Current White Plains Hospital Physician Assistant DOP
- Master’s degree from an accredited school (highly recommended)
- Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) recommended but not required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Proficiency in all procedures, techniques and skills approved in the delineation of privileges
Core Competencies
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Teamwork
- Excellent Communication Skills both verbal & written
- Ability to work under stress
- Ability to remain composure while responding to competing priorities
Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment
- May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc
- Constantly utilizes/operates computer to access and document information.
- Must be able to stand or long periods of time in the procedural area.
- Ability to communicate with patients, families, and hospital employees on telephone and using email. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
Primary Population Served
Neonatal (birth – 28 days)
Patients with exceptional communication needs
Infant (29 days – less than 1 year)
Patients with developmental delays
Pediatric (1 – 12 years)
Patients at end of life
Adolescent (13 – 17 years)
Patients under isolation precautions
Adult (18 – 64 years)
Patients with cultural needs
Geriatric (> 65 years)
All populations
Bariatric Patients with weight related comorbidities
Non-patient care population
The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.
Location: White Plains Hospital · Neurology Schedule: Part Time, Night, 7 pm- 7: 30 am