Very interesting VA responsibilities NP Vs PA

[nursetim, NP]

Her is the NP's responsibilities:

DESCRIPTION AND ROLE FUNCTION SUMMARY:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Specific practice setting includes integrated team member for the care of surgical patients in the SICU.

2. Evaluate patients and write assessments and plans in the patient's chart. Write orders for patient care, evaluation and treatment plans in accordance with the individuals Scope of Practice and under the authority of the Chief of Surgery or their designee.

3. He/She will work directly for the Chief of Surgical Service/Administrative Officer and their duties/responsibilities will be at the direction of such. The NP is delegated the authority and responsibility to participate in the clinical and administrative duties related to the patients in the SICU.

4. Describes expertise for a patient /population that leads to a change in practice that improves outcomes and communicates of changes to other providers in the facility.

5. Demonstrates leadership for patient care rounds/chart review and/or discussion of practice issues to improve outcomes for a specific population.

6. Manages and provides wellness and illness care to SICU patients: includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment, development of a plan of care and counseling patients and their families.

7. Describes review of patient care plan with less experienced staff to address ethical issues for patient and/or staff.

8. Serves as a resource and advocate for protection of patient/family rights such as confidentiality, self â€" determination, and alternate treatments.

9. Demonstrates care coordination to use resources judiciously and achieve optimal outcomes for patients/families.

10. Develops solutions for patient problems that address effective resource utilization and maintenance of quality care.

11. Serves as a consultant/resource to other APRNs related to application of evidence-based information to the design, implementation and evaluation of a treatment plan for patients with complex or unusual problems.

12. Provides leadership for application of new knowledge to patient population.

13. Identifies learning needs, plans and provides formal and informal educations for self and other professionals on specialty-related area and performance improvement.

14. Provides expert consultation to other professionals.

15. Maintains knowledge of current techniques, trends, and professional issues.

16. Advances knowledge by identifying learning needs and attending appropriate educational opportunities.

17. Uses professional standards of care and practice to evaluate programs and /or service activities.

18. Monitors care in specialty area to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

19. Promotes an environment of mutual respect and effective communication.

20. Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with all interdisciplinary and consultative staff to enhance the quality of patient care.

21. Facilitates delivery of patient care in collaboration with other healthcare personal.

22. Educates colleagues and/or students and serves as a preceptor and/or mentor.

23. Provides consultation to administrators, committees, and colleagues on issues related to practice.

24. Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary committee, task force, or root cause analysis at the facility or national level.

25. Develops, presents and /or coordinates education programs aimed at improving productivity or patient outcomes.

26. Identifies and applies appropriate research based interventions/changes into assigned practice area to improve or validate current practice, when appropriated.

27. Disseminates relevant research findings through practice, education and consultation.

28. Uses research findings to develop or validate policies/ procedures and guidelines for patient care.

29. Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Surgery/Administrative Officer or designee.

For this salary : $57,704.00 - $110,302.00 /year

Here are the PA's responsibilities:

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

1. The primary focus of clinical practice is for health care to veterans assigned to the SICU.

2. Facilitates care of surgical patients as well as their entry and exit from various health care systems by establishing and maintaining liaison with a variety of medical specialists and associated staff.

3. Assist with clinical aspects of care to the patients of the sub-specialty departments assigned to the Surgical Service, primarily in the SICU. The Physician Assistant has the authority to order all tests and procedures necessary to evaluate and care for these patients. These evaluations and orders will fall within the guidelines of the N.C. Board of Medical Examiners as well as the bylaws of the Durham VAMC.

4. Initiates/accepts referrals to and from the operating room, VA facilities/clinics/wards and/or community agencies. Collaborate with other health care resources to insure timely and appropriate care of patients. Coordinate intake and egress (transfers) of patients through SICU.

5. Assist other Physician Assistants assigned to the surgical services as needed.

6. Other clinical duties as assigned by the Chief of Surgery.

7. Attend committee meetings and process action teams to represent the Surgical Service at the discretion of the Chief of Surgery/Administrative Officer.

8. Facilitate response/actions to patient inquires to care and treatment received by the surgical service.

9. Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Surgery/Administrative Officer or designee.

For this salary: $66,493.00 - $109,611.00 /year

A 700 dollar ceiling difference but a Close to 9K starting salary difference.

THis is not selective to just the VA. THe DOJ pays NP's THe same as or less than RN's. Is this a case of supply and demand?

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Has to do with the nursing wage schedule. A NP is a nurse III in the VA system. Just because the starting wage is different does not mean you will start at the lowest amount.