Bariatric Advanced Practice Provider - University of Louisville Hospital

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) provides assessment, management and outcome evaluation for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. The APRN serves as a resource to educate patients, families, professional nurses, and staff; functions as a liaison between patient, family and UofL Physicians staff; and participates in clinical research. The APRN should demonstrate an advanced level of medical and nursing knowledge, clinical and technical competency, sound clinical judgment, professionalism as it relates to interpersonal and general communication skills, timely and compliant documentation, and takes responsibility for ongoing professional development and competency validation.

The Bariatric Advanced Practice Provider will function as a provider in the Advanced Bariatrics and Medical Weight Management Clinic space providing medical weight loss management. The APP will function in collaboration with the medical and surgical physician staff in delivering bariatric care patient care. The primary responsibility as a provider on the Bariatric clinic team will be management of patients with obesity.

The APP will examine patients for initial evaluation, manage side effects, dose titrations and some surgical follow ups. The APP will collect and document data, order and interpret laboratory studies, radiological studies, and prescribe appropriate medications. The Bariatrics Advanced Practice Provider will contribute to excellence in patient care and provide leadership within the Bariatric Center and nursing profession.

• Provide direct clinical services for Bariatric service line in collaboration with the clinic staff and physician colleagues
• Obtain patient health histories and complete physical examinations. Document pertinent normal and abnormal findings and narrative summaries within the electronic medical record.
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests. Explain the necessity, risks and benefits of anticipated procedures to patients, family and other staff.
• Organize, perform and document approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based upon patients clinical status.
• Formulate and initiate treatment plan.
• Utilize prescriptive privileges within the confines of Kentucky state law.
• Provide patient-family centered care by communicating effectively with patients and family members.
• Utilize current research and evidenced based practice decision making in all clinical practice. Incorporate clinical research findings in the development and implementation of standards of care.
• Support clinical research
• Serve as a clinical leader and expert to nursing staff
• Demonstrate responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education
• Collaboratively work with administration to achieve hospital defined goals.
• Performs all other activities by proactively identifying problems and solutions for the welfare of the patients, community and hospital.
• Perform other duties as assigned.