SSHS3596A: Nurse Practitioner

Unit: Student Health ServicesCategory: Student ServicesOpening Date: 11/01/2011Description:Student Health Services (SHS) serves the campus by providing health promotion and medical services to all University of California, Merced students. Services are designed to enable students to get the most from their educational experience, minimizing the impact of illness, injury and emotional distress on their academic career. The SHS coordinates supplemental needs for off-campus care through a network of community specialists and hospitals. Student Health Services provides a variety of medical services, which are similar to the outpatient care provided in a physicians’ group practice. These services include primary and urgent/acute care, evaluation and guidance for individual health problems, family planning services, public health prevention programs, and health education. Reporting to the Medical Director for clinical issues, the Nurse Practitioner provides clinical and educational services in support of the overall operation of the Student Health Center. Working independently and under general supervision, administers direct medical care, including diagnosis and treatment, to patients utilizing written protocols as guidelines. Individuals in this position must reflect a balance and understanding of both patient care needs and the efficient operation of the Student Health Center. This position works in collaboration with the Medical Director on issues of professional practice and performance. This position works with the Associate Director for Health Services on issues of efficiency, patient flow, teamwork and patient satisfaction.Qualifications:• Comprehensive knowledge of advanced nursing care principles, methods, and procedures.• Demonstration of critical thinking and diagnostic skills in clinical decision making.• Working knowledge of computer software such as: medical record, scheduling database, and word processing.• Working knowledge of medications, their actions, use, and side effects.• Working knowledge of women's and men’s health evaluation and treatment.• Skill in oral and written communication to meet the needs of a diverse population and student health center staff.• Physical ability and manual dexterity to perform patient care in the functional areas to which assigned.• Ability to perform comprehensive physical assessment. Ability to obtain comprehensive health history and psychosocial data.• Ability to interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests, and distinguish between normal and abnormal findings.• Ability to document and assess findings and establish a therapeutic plan of action.• Ability to coordinate screening and follow-up of communicable diseases.• Ability to utilize a model of Health Education that promotes wellness and prevention of illness/injury, taking into account the individual’s age, developmental status, ability/disability, culture, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.