Nurse Practitioner Fellow

The Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology division is seeking aNurse Practitionerto participate in an intensive 12-month training program designed to provide advanced didactic education and focused clinical experiences so that graduates have the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care in the specialty of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The program includes both inpatient and outpatient rotations to expose the fellow to a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Furthermore, the fellow participates in several sub-specialty clinics including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disease, and transplant Hepatology to acquire further expertise in these specific clinical areas. There will be focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) throughout the fellowship.

The Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program also provides a means to help transition the nurse practitioner into a career in the specialty of gastroenterology in order to better prepare them to provide exceptional patient care in this field. Otherwise, there is no formal training for nurse practitioners trying to enter this specialty, having to depend on “on the job training” to develop clinical expertise.

With fellowship training, the nurse practitioner acquires a strong knowledge base and clinical acumen to become a confident independent practitioner. For the division, the fellowship allows for better utilization of nurse practitioners in our specialty, as we are in the midst of a provider shortage that has led to a dramatic rise in number of nurse practitioners used in practice. Through the fellowship, we can ensure our nurse practitioner fellows acquire the knowledge and skills to provide high level specialty care, which in turn increases overall patient satisfaction and improves patient outcomes.

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Reviews the ordering Physician’s intake form for appropriateness and the completed history and physical.
• Establishes a joint practice with designated providers where follow up patients have a venue to be seen and cared for in tandem with the provider's clinic.
• Reviews difficult cases with the physician and less complex cases independently.
• Develop procedural skills as deemed necessary by divisional needs
• Assists Medical Office Coordinators with all pre-authorization processes prior to scheduling procedures.
• Establishes a primary practice separate from a designated provider where urgent add on patients (recently discharged, recently hospitalized, urgent medical issues appropriate for clinic, new symptoms related to an existing problem) could be triaged and reviewed as needed
• Interprets tests including and reviews all interpretations with Physicians for twenty-four months after start until independently credentialed
• Helps manage and triage complex care that happens with patients who have been seen in the practice.
• Returns patient phone calls to address questions/concerns that a MOC or nurse cannot answer.
• Refills urgent prescriptions and/or tracks current prescriptions for patients receiving ongoing care.
• Provides my chart responses to patients seen in clinic and releases results with explanations to patients.
• Counsels and teaches patients and family members in regards to disease process and expected outcomes.
• Makes referrals to other specialists as indicated by patient’s condition.
• Dictates pertinent data into EPIC that is necessary in the care of the patient and communicates with and provide information to referring physicians.

Customer Service and Teamwork Responsibilities:

• Assists physicians with answering phone calls related to patient care. Is courteous and pleasant in person and on the telephone with coworkers, patients, visitors, and supervisors. Utilizes proper telephone etiquette. Warmly greets patients and visitors. Verbally expresses appreciation when ending a conversation with a caller.

• Handles and resolves patient complaints non-defensively and without blame to other employees. Seeks to satisfy a dissatisfied customer.
• Is generous in assisting and supporting others.

Computer Knowledge Expectations:

• Operates personal computer to access email, computerized scheduling and documentation databases, and other basic office support software.
• Successfully completes all necessary EPIC training courses and other applicable clinical software systems, including but not limited to ORMIS and Pentax.
• Completes all required HIPAA and other specified online training courses
• Other duties may be assigned by the employee’s immediate clinical supervisor, Assistant Administrator for the Division, or a healthcare provider in order to ensure an efficient office that will assist the Division in fulfilling its’ mission.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in nursing; Registered Nurse license and Certified as a Nurse Practitioner. Must be licensed as NP in State of Maryland and the District of Columbia or other state where practicing. Additional experience may substitute for master's degree. Current CPR certification required. Must maintain current licensure and certification during duration of employment. Completion of the JHH and Sibley Memorial Hospital credentialing process is required prior to start date.