Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner , USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

bout the Position: This position is located at AeroSpace Medicine Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation.

A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized.

Welcome to the U.S. Air Force Academy and thank you for your interest in becoming an integral part of our team! You'll have the opportunity to become part of the wonderful experience of preparing more than 4,000 cadets for careers as Air Force leaders. The mission requires everyone's effort to succeed -- officers, enlisted Airmen, civilian employees, contractors and family members. As a part of the Academy, you will help prepare our future leaders by serving as a role model both on and off duty. You will set the example through your performance on the job, your appearance, your attitude and your conduct. You may also chose to  become involved with cadets, because your participation is important to their personal and professional development. Your involvement can take many forms: attending intramural, club, and intercollegiate activities, coming to lectures presented by guest speakers, becoming a squadron participant and, if eligible, by becoming a cadet sponsor. While you're here, you can take advantage of our extensive recreational facilities, which are among the finest in the Air Force. We offer a wide range of seasonal programs to help make Colorado and its seasons enjoyable for our base community.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

MAJOR DUTIES

DUTY 1:

Provides comprehensive primary, preventative, and therapeutic health care service to assigned patients in a family practice clinic in a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Performs comprehensive physical assessments of patients to include baseline data such as past medical and surgical history, family history, social history, and immunization history. Independently diagnoses and manages acute episodic and chronic illnesses including but are not limited to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, upper respiratory infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and dermatological or orthopedic conditions; minor traumas; behavior/psychological problems; and short term health issues such as injuries and infections. Performs baby exams, pre-employment physicals, and sports physicals. Performs pre-deployment and post-deployment assessments of active duty personnel. Performs Preventive Health Assessment (PHA)/Reserve Component PHA exams, overseas clearances for dependents, and medical evaluation board (MEB) summaries on military personnel in accordance with annual requirements. Performs or requests special screening and development tests and laboratory tests and interprets the results. Orders, performs, collects, and interprets laboratory tests to include but not limited to electrocardiogram (EKGs), wet preps, wet mounts, hema-occults, routine blood chemistry, hematology, microbiology, bacteriology, virology, toxicology, pathology, and cytology. Orders and interprets the findings of radiological studies, including but not limited to computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), X-rays, ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scans, nuclear medicine scans, and other tests that may be necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient. When needed, requests consultations to assist on interpretation of abnormal studies. Performs procedures to include but not limited to biopsies such as shave biopsies, minor suturing, toenail removals, and joint aspirations. Uses knowledge of a variety of pharmacological agents to treat patients based the desired effects, side effects, and potential complications of the pharmacologic agent used. Accurately administrates pharmacologic agent and determines proper dosage calculations. Prescribes and monitors pain management regimes in patients with chronic pain. Uses knowledge of patient education principles and behavioral readiness to change along with knowledge of disease management programs and clinical practice guidelines (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and Healthcare Effective Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measurements to teach patients and family members ways to maintain or improve their health status. Uses patient education materials as appropriate. Maintains electronic medical records or patient paper charts to document medical information and treatment procedures. Incorporates current knowledge of disease and condition management into daily work activities to include evidence-based primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Recognizes scope of practice/limitations, consults with a physician and/or medical specialty services as needed, and refers patients as appropriate. Ensures referrals include the appropriate level of severity/urgency of the care needed.

DUTY 2:

As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), provides comprehensive health care services. Performs procedures, treatments, and orders medications based on assessment results and standards of care. Educates patients and family members on diagnosis, discusses treatment options and makes recommendations, and ensures patients/family members have information required to provide informed consent for treatment. Prescribes medications and adjusts dosage according to patient’s needs and responses, to include appropriate dosing, side effects, and medication interactions. Performs minor diagnostic procedures, such as punch biopsies, mole removal, wart removal, needle aspiration for culture, and shave biopsies. Also performs minor suturing, toenail removals, and joint aspirations. Additionally performs procedures such as intravenous (IV) line placement, dressing changes, catheterizations, wound irrigation, oxygen administration, and specimen collection such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Participates with the consulting physician in planning, instituting, evaluating, and revising program plans; assists in determining conditions, resources, and policies essential to the delivery of health care services. In partnership with physicians, makes decisions concerning medical care needs of patients as well as nursing care needs. Provides surveillance of adherence to medical and nursing regimens to stabilize chronically ill patients; adjusts regimens within established protocols recognizing when to refer the patient to the physician or other health team members. Develops family nursing protocol and defines and develops relevant procedures for the facility.

DUTY 3:

Shares clinical expertise as consultant and instructor. Evaluates clinical practices and collaborates with health care team members to improve patient care delivery IAW evidence based practice standards. Participates in staff development programs. Participates in evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of activities/services of the unit by organizing nursing monitoring and evaluation activities. Submits to and performs peer reviews on providers. Participates in continuing education programs to update and/or maintain skills and knowledge to meet annual requirements.

DUTY 4:

Participates in committees, functions, and other meetings as directed. Serves as a member of various committees, functions, and other meetings as needed. Provides relevant and timely information to these groups. Assists with decision making and process improvement. Serves as a functional expert on family health care for the medical group, serving as an advocate for these functions.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED