Acute Care Advanced Practice Provider

POSITION SUMMARY

The Convenient/Urgent Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP), serving as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, provides timely, patient-centered evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses, minor injuries, and other episodic health concerns for patients of all ages, consistent with education, licensure, clinical privileges, and HPCHC protocols.

This position performs focused assessment, identifies emergency conditions requiring a higher level of care, coordinates referrals and follow-up, and works collaboratively with providers, clinical support staff, and the integrated care team to ensure an exceptional patient experience.

High Plains Community Health Center (HPCHC) is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an environment for career advancement and professional growth at all levels. HPCHC complies with organization-wide policies and Federally Qualified Health Center and OSHA requirements related to HPCHC operations and its compliance program.

PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPECTATIONS

The Convenient/Urgent Care APP is an essential component to the success of HPCHC. This position is expected to prioritize time and responsibilities in the following manner:

80%: Convenient/Urgent Patient Care

• Provides same-day, walk-in, and scheduled episodic care within accepted professional standards, evidence-based guidelines, clinical privileges, and the APP’s scope of practice.
• Rapidly evaluates and treats common acute conditions such as upper respiratory and other infections, fever, sore throat, ear complaints, minor gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms, allergic reactions, rashes, and uncomplicated musculoskeletal complaints.
• Assesses and manages minor injuries, including sprains, strains, simple wounds, and minor burns; performs procedures such as wound care, simple laceration repair, and splinting when appropriately trained, privileged, and equipped.
• Obtains focused histories, performs age-appropriate examinations, identifies red-flag symptoms, and establishes working diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.
• Recognizes time-sensitive and potentially life-threatening conditions; initiates stabilization within facility capabilities and arranges emergency medical services or transfer to a higher level of care as indicated.
• Orders, performs when authorized, interprets, and follows up on point-of-care tests, laboratory studies, and diagnostic imaging appropriate to the presenting complaint and clinic resources.
• Prescribes and administers appropriate medications and non-pharmacologic therapies in accordance with applicable licensure, prescriptive authority, established protocols, and antimicrobial stewardship practices.
• Communicates clear discharge instructions, return precautions, expected course of illness, and appropriate follow-up to patients and caregivers.
• Coordinates referral to HPCHC primary care, dental, behavioral health, specialists, or emergency services when patient needs exceed the scope of the convenient/urgent care encounter.
• Addresses exacerbations of chronic illness requiring same-day assessment while facilitating continuity with the patient’s primary care provider for longitudinal management.
• Works effectively with clinical support staff on patient flow, triage escalation, safe handoffs, infection prevention, staffing, and sustainable workflows.

10%: Patient Documentation

• Participates in daily team huddles and communicates anticipated patient-care and operational needs.
• Documents accurate, complete, and timely histories, examinations, decision-making, orders, procedures, diagnoses, treatment, patient education, and disposition in the electronic medical record.
• Reviews and acts on results of diagnostic studies and referrals in a timely manner; communicates clinically significant findings and ensures appropriate follow-up.
• Follow up with incoming testing results/referrals/diagnostic orders.
• Acute Prescription refills.
• Completes medication orders, prescriptions, patient messages, work/school notes, and other encounter-related documentation within HPCHC standards.
• Documents emergency escalation, transfer rationale, receiving-facility communication, and handoff information when applicable.
• Coordinates information-sharing and follow-up with primary care and other members of the care team to promote continuity and reduce avoidable emergency department utilization.

10%: General Duties

• Provides clinical guidance and mentorship to support staff as appropriate, without assuming formal supervisory responsibility.
• Participates in Medical Staff, Clinic Staff, case review, quality improvement, and other meetings as requested.
• Collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer and leadership to improve access, patient safety, throughput, clinical protocols, and the patient experience.
• Follows HPCHC infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, emergency preparedness, risk management, credentialing, and quality improvement requirements.
• Completes assigned education, competency assessments, and required trainings; maintains appropriate certifications and privileges.
• May participate in community outreach or other clinic activities as directed; performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Nurse Practitioner pathway: Master’s degree or higher from an accredited nursing program; graduate of an accredited NP program; current qualifying RN licensure and Colorado advanced practice authority, with national NP certification through an appropriate certifying body (e.g., ANCC or AANP).
• Physician Assistant pathway: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program; current Colorado PA license and national certification through NCCPA.
• Current DEA registration and applicable Colorado prescribing authority, as required for assigned duties.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; ACLS and/or PALS preferred based on patient population and assigned services.
• Ability to assess acute illness and injury, recognize unstable patients, and initiate emergency response and safe transfer.
• Prior experience in urgent care, convenient care, emergency medicine, or other high-volume acute care setting preferred.
• Experience serving diverse and underserved populations preferred; Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
• The position requires a working knowledge of modern office practices and This includes but is not limited to:
• Proficiency in using the Internet, Microsoft Office programs and general computer
• Skill in operating office equipment such as copier, fax machine, scanners,

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrates commitment to the organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Maintains knowledge of federal and state regulations related to FQHC’s and relative practice area.
• Exhibits the ability to make sound decisions for delivery of care/services.
• Demonstrates effective relationships with clinic staff, patients, public, outside vendors/agencies, and providers.
• Communicates effectively; demonstrates ability to speak, read, and write professionally, as well as compile, analyze and present information in English.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Exercises professional judgment, courtesy, and professionalism in daily interactions with others.
• Works both independently and as part of a team; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with health care team members and diverse patient populations.
• Displays time management and organizational skills to consistently meet deadlines.
• Performs other duties as required.

There will be opportunities for other duties as this position may evolve and policies and training may change. Reasonable accommodations will be reviewed, and modifications may be made according to ADA guidelines. This position utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques, and appropriate equipment to minimize fall risk to patients and/or injury to self.

This is an OSHA Category 1 position.

APP Benefits

• Student loan repayment through HRSA.
• CME covered time and expenses that renews annually.
• License and required HPCHC certifications covered.
• Work / Life Balance and so much more.
• $5,000 hiring bonus.

Additional Full Time Benefits

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance with four affordable Health Plans.
• Basic Group Life / AD&D Insurance provided by employer.
• Voluntary life insurance and short term disability options.
• Supplemental insurance offered at group rates.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) – 23.5 days per year (increases with employment tenure).
• Holidays – 9.5 paid holidays.
• FAMLI – Paid family and medical leave benefits.
• 401K Plan – Match and Profit Sharing Options after 60 days of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Limited Purpose FSA (Available to HSA Members).
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).

Additional Information

Position Type : Full Time

Shift : Day

Salary: $115,651.00 to $148,050.00 per year

Contact Information

Human Resources

201 Kendall Drive

Lamar, Co 81052

Email: [email protected]

Deadline for applying: This posting will remain open and accepting applications until the position is filled.

If you are interested in a position please complete our online application below.

Pay: $115,651.00 - $148,050.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Certified Nurse Practitioner (Required)

Location:

• Lamar, CO 81052 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lamar, CO 81052: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person