This is advanced level nursing work, providing comprehensive patient care in the area of specialization. Employees in this class perform physical examinations and assessments within the parameters of licensure and program protocols. Work includes medical diagnosis and prescription of medical therapeutic or corrective measures in collaboration with and under the direction of a licensed physician, educating patients in general health care practices within the area of specialization, and securing and maintaining cooperation of patients. Formulating plans and prognoses and prescribing or recommending drugs or other forms of treatment are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the technical supervision of a physician.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)FAMILY HEALTH, ADULT CARE, PEDIATRICS, GERONTOLOGY SPECIALTIESDiagnoses medical conditions of patients under the general supervision of a medical superior; manages and applies principles of preventive and therapeutic medicine for patients with acute and/or chronic medical conditions; performs physical examinations; develops treatment plans and behavior modification plans for health maintenance activities; orders appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays; prescribes medications as permitted by law; prescribes special diets; discusses findings with patient and family; examines patients for clinical symptoms of disease; orders specimens such as blood or sputum taken for laboratory analysis; reviews case histories and reports of laboratory findings; prescribes and administers treatment; refers patients with complications to other clinics, hospitals, or mental health agencies; prepares reports of findings; re-examines patients for recurrence of disease; supervises extended care providers engaged in examining and treating patients; conducts case conferences to present unusual or interesting cases to other medical personnel.
Performs related work as required.
WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALTYDiagnoses medical conditions related to the reproductive system of adolescents and adults under the supervision of a medical superior; orders appropriate laboratory tests and x-rays including cervical cytology and STD testing; performs physical examinations, including pelvic and breast examinations; identifies and diagnoses problems pertaining to the reproductive system; dispenses appropriate methods of birth control and prescribes medications, as permitted by law, in accordance with medical standing orders; educates patients to types of family planning methods; advises patient as to suitability of methods based on results of physical examinations and patient’s choice; instructs patients in the use of contraceptives; educates and counsels patients in regard to need for personal hygiene, general health maintenance, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases; teaches patients breast self-examination; identifies deviations from norms in the physical condition of the patients; changes medication or birth control method based on patient's physical reactions; evaluates patient on follow-up visits to determine general health status and presence of adverse reactions to medication, other medical problems and family planning techniques; evaluates patients on an ongoing basis to determine the need to change the treatment plan following program protocols, medical standing orders or direct medical orders; refers complex cases to specialist physicians; provides postpartum counseling and physical examinations; orients, instructs and supervises during training other nursing or patient service staff in program protocol and clinical procedures; speaks at schools and to community groups on issues related to family planning, personal hygiene, and general health maintenance; disseminates informational materials at health fairs; maintains records and reports of service; collects data required for studies of sexually transmitted diseases and Pap smears; reviews case histories and reports of laboratory findings; prescribes and administers treatment; refers patients with complications to other clinics, hospitals, or mental health agencies; prepares reports of findings; re-examines patients for recurrence of disease; supervises extended care providers engaged in examining and treating patients; conducts case conferences to present unusual or interesting cases to other medical personnel.
Performs related work as required.
Completion of a master’s degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CNRP) as approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Medicine.
Completion of an acceptable training program in the area of specialization, which shall have included both theory and clinical practice.
Completion of at least 45 hours of course work specific to advanced pharmacology as either part of a CRNP education program or additional courses taken from an educational program approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Medicine, a minimum of sixteen hours of which must have been completed within thirty days of the examination closing date.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATESPossession of a valid, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse and as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Education and Licensure at the time of application, and possession of such licensure during tenure of employment.
Eligibility for a valid, unrestricted Prescription Authority Certification or Number from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Medicine within six months of the date of appointment and during tenure of employment.