Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
A healthcare professional who provides advanced nursing care in hospitals or clinics, primarily to patients with severe, acute, or chronic health conditions.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Junior Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive care to patients with acute, critical, and/or complex chronic health conditions in various settings, from emergency departments to intensive care units. This role requires a combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and a commitment to providing the highest level of patient-centered care.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in using medical software and patient care management systems.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team in high-stress environments.
- Knowledge of pharmacology, especially in the context of acute medical conditions.
- Adaptability and the ability to manage multiple patient care priorities simultaneously.
Qualifications
- Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on acute care.
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) and certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) or eligible to obtain.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
- Clinical experience in acute care settings such as ICU, ER, or similar environments, even if as a part of educational training.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work under pressure.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and establish care plans based on patient needs.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary health care teams to provide acute care services.
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Prescribe medications and non-pharmacologic treatments, while managing patients' overall care.
- Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding health conditions and treatment plans.
- Monitor and ensure the quality of health care practices and compliance with standards and regulations.
- Respond to rapidly changing patient conditions and emergency situations with appropriate interventions.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a highly skilled and specialized nurse who provides advanced nursing care to patients with acute, chronic, and critical conditions. This role involves working in fast-paced healthcare settings such as hospitals and intensive care units. The ACNP works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to diagnose and manage patient care, ensuring the application of evidence-based practice.
Required Skills
- Expertise in critical care and acute patient management.
- Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent patient assessment and diagnostic skills.
- Proficiency in clinical procedures relevant to acute care settings.
- Strong communication and interdisciplinary teamwork capabilities.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) or higher with a focus on acute care nursing.
- Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) licenses.
- Certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from an accredited certifying body.
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in acute or critical care settings.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and establish appropriate plans of care.
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Prescribe medications and non-pharmacologic treatments tailored to the patient's clinical status.
- Monitor and respond to changes in patient conditions, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
- Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Educate patients and families about conditions, treatments, and healthcare management plans.
- Stay updated on emerging trends and advancements in acute care nursing practices.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A seasoned Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) responsible for providing advanced nursing care to patients with severe, acute, and chronic illnesses. The role involves working in high-paced environments including intensive care units and emergency rooms and requires a high level of clinical expertise.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in using medical equipment and performing complex procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in stressful and emergency situations.
- In-depth knowledge of pharmacology and complex nursing care practices.
- Leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
- Commitment to continued education and staying informed on industry developments.
Qualifications
- Current and unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse and certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
- Master's degree or higher in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in an acute care setting.
- Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
- Eligibility for state-specific prescriptive authority.
- History of autonomous clinical decision making in complex situations.
Responsibilities
- Assess, diagnose, and treat patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic health conditions.
- Interpret diagnostic tests and initiate appropriate interventions and treatments.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to provide coordinated patient care.
- Manage patient care in high-acuity settings such as the ICU, emergency department, and specialized clinics.
- Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding health conditions and treatment plans.
- Participate in research and use evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Mentor and guide junior nurses and other healthcare staff.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in acute care practices and technologies.
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