Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Per Diem

Overview

This position is with the Carson City Health Department. This is a part-time position, not to exceed 1,039 hours per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30. Under general supervision, perform a variety of advanced nursing duties involved in assessing, treating, controlling and preventing patient illness and disease; perform physical examinations; identify patients with physical and emotional illness; and administer medications as prescribed.

• Collaborate with health care team and follow written protocols in all nursing practices.
• Perform general physical examinations including heart, neck, pulmonary chest, cardiovascular, abdominal, and other routine exams; perform pelvic and breast examinations; initiate and perform selected diagnostic tests.
• Identify physical and emotional illnesses through observations, interpretations of laboratory findings, and analysis of patient charts; prescribe and administer medications; provide or assist in providing appropriate medical, hospital, or other health care as needed.
• Counsel patients under medical treatment programs in order to assess their health progress; identify recurring problem areas; establish written and verbal treatment plans to solve specific problem areas; evaluate compliance with the treatment program and modify it based on the response of the person or family to treatment.
• Interview patients prior to examinations to obtain a variety of information including medical history and background; determine the type of nursing care or community service the patient will need; observe patients for signs of intoxication or possible use of illegal drug; refer patients to the proper community service agency if necessary; document observations.
• Meet with patients in order to discuss and inform them of their laboratory test and exam results; educate patients regarding their illness; make and provide appropriate referrals.
• Counsel patients regarding their choice of contraceptives; prescribe and dispense birth control pills; dispense and fit diaphragms and cervical caps; insert, examine and remove IUD and Norplant devices.
• Provide health related counseling on the prevention of communicable diseases; coordinate health programs with outside organizations and agencies; provide general health related information and instruction to individuals and families.
• Follow up, by telephone, with patients with infections and other illnesses; ensure that they return for follow up testing or treatments as necessary.
• Assist with medical emergencies; administer first aid for minor injuries and health problems including fainting, seizures, vomiting, and other minor injuries or health problems.
• Participate in the implementation and development of continuous quality improvement objectives.
• Maintain the operational activities and patient care for assigned clinic or health care program; participate in a variety of nursing responsibilities including administering immunizations, performing pregnancy and tuberculosis tests, and diagnosing and treating clients for drug addiction, sexually transmitted disease and other illnesses.
• Keep accurate patient records regarding immunizations and prescribed dosages of medications; maintain and update files as necessary; make changes regarding employment, address and phone number changes, weight, height, and medical problems.
• Contribute to the overall quality of the department’s service provision by developing and coordinating work teams and by reviewing, recommending and implementing improved policies and procedures.
• Prepare a variety of technical, statistical, and narrative written reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Use standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with patients, family members, visitors, and staff; act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work‑related issues, records and information.
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.