Job Description of an AG-ACNP



AG-ACNP Job DescriptionLaura J Langenhop Wright State UniversityAG-ACNP Job DescriptionJob TitleAdult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)Job DescriptionThe AG-ACNP is a member of the heart failure team and provides advanced nursing care across the continuum of acute and chronic-care services in patients with heart failure. Position SummaryThe AG-ACNP role within the heart failure team encompasses many aspects of patient care. The role includes collaborating with physicians and promoting continuity of care. The AG-ACNP cares for patients with acute decompensated heart failure, patients being evaluated for left ventricular assist device implantation (LVAD), patients following trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and patients with heart failure at end-of-life. The AG-ACNP’s goal is to become a part of the multi-disciplinary team providing high quality care to patients with heart failure. Reporting StructureThe AG-ACNP is a member of a multidisciplinary team. There is a specific reporting structure for the nurse practitioner. Communication begins upon morning rounds with a team consisting of the attending physician, fellow physicians, resident physicians, pharmacist, fellow nurse practitioners, and bedside nursing staff. As changes in patient status and plan of care arise, the AG-ACNP remains in close communication with the attending physician. The on-call physician receives report at the end of the AG-ACNP’s shift in order to facilitate continued implementation of the plan of care, medications, and goals for the patient.QualificationsQualifications for an AG-ACNP on the heart failure team include a Masters of Science in Nursing degree, a current unencumbered Ohio registered nurse license, current acute care nurse practitioner license (NP-C), advanced cardiac life support certification (ACLS), certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), certificate to prescribe (CTP), eligible and up to date malpractice insurance, knowledge and experience in the field of cardiology, cardiac surgery, and LVAD implantation. RoleClinicianThe AG-ACNP performs a comprehensive history and physical, makes a diagnosis, orders testing, prescribes medications, and initiates health promotion on patients under his/her service (Bell, 2012). The AG-ACNP recognizes acute, chronic, and critical conditions and treats according to such conditions (Bell, 2012). The AG-ACNP promotes communication between the multi-disciplinary team. The role of the AG-ACNP in the heart failure role is to guide and counsel patients and their family members through advanced heart failure therapies by diagnostic testing, medication regimen, diagnosis, and promote holistic care. The AG-ACNP will be able to insert central lines and intubate if required by patient status. The AG-ACNP will document detailed and timely charting. Finally, the AG-ACNP will be able to effectively manage care of a patient under stressful circumstances. EducationThe AG-ACNP builds upon his/her education formed in graduate school by application and integration of evidence-based knowledge (Bell, 2012). The nurse practitioner is also responsible for continuing education hours required by the state of Ohio (Ohio Board of Nursing, 2015). The AG-ACNP is responsible for attending educational seminars within the cardiology department specific to the patient population of heart failure. There are also funds set aside each year for use to attend conferences and seminars for the AG-ACNP in order to advance education to promote optimal patient care. Education learned will be taken and incorporated into practice by educating peers fellow staff. CollaborationThe AG-ACNP collaborates with the patient, patient’s family, and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. The ongoing relationship between the patient and providers elicits optimal delivery of care. Collaboration between patients and family members leads to a responsibility to teach, explain, and answer questions regarding plan of care. The collaboration between the AG-ACNP and other health care providers calls for teaching, mentoring, research, and other professional activities to improve patient care (Bell, 2012). Research and Clinical InquiryThe AG-ACNP develops a plan of care for patients based on the most recent evidence-based guidelines. The AG-ACNP recognizes the importance of implementation of diagnostic testing and treatment from current evidence-based research. Continuing education following graduation and licensure in a focused area of practice is of importance. Furthermore, staying current on newly formed evidence-based research provides the AG-ACNP rationale for practice change in order to promote better patient outcomes (Bell, 2012). Interpersonal Relationships and CommunicationThe AG-ACNP is a part of a work environment that encourages open communication. Seeking opportunities to teach and mentor to colleagues and other healthcare providers is of importance to the AG-ACNP. While working for a community and national leader in advanced heart failure therapies, there is a responsibility to create collaboration and communication not only to patients but also the other healthcare members in order to deliver comprehensive care. Professional Growth and ResponsibilitiesThe AG-ACNP seeks opportunities for professional growth within the institution, locally, or nationally. The AG-ACNP continues to be a part of local and national organizations in order to stay current with healthcare and policy changes. The AG-ACNP has a performance evaluation annually to assess growth and areas in need of improvement. Evaluation of quality and safety is assessed by chart audits to determine effectiveness in the delivery of care (Bell, 2012). Colleagues of the nurse practitioner and the medical director of the heart failure team evaluate the AG-ACNP’s performance upon the basis of teamwork, collaboration, ethics, research, education, and comprehensive care to patients. Scheduled HoursThe AG-ACNP will fulfill the hours required to fulfill the job responsibilities. ReferencesBell, L. (2012). Scope and standards of practice for the acute care nurse practitioner: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Aliso-Viejo, CA: American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Memorial Hospital (2015). Job description: Nurse practitioner. Ohio Board of Nursing (2015). Continuing education (CE) requirements for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, dialysis technicians, community health workers and medication aides in Ohio. Retrieved from: ................
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