Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Advanced Practitioner

The Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Advanced Practitioner (AP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant (PA) who works independently and collaborates effectively with nursing facility leadership and staff. The AP manages comprehensive medical needs of patients in PALTC environments to improve quality of care and outcomes, enhance healthcare experience for members and families, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and decrease costs.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting comprehensive physical exams, assessing health conditions, developing care plans.
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, prescribing medications, ordering/interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Monitoring and managing patient health, providing preventive care such as vaccinations and screenings.
• Collaborating closely with nursing staff to manage chronic conditions like wound care, infections, diabetes, hypertension.
• Independently assessing and treating patients within scope of practice, making clinical decisions, acting as primary healthcare provider.
• Building collaborative relationships with facility leadership, interdisciplinary teams, patients' families, and external medical professionals.
• Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations including OTLC, HIPAA, OSHA.
• Maintaining accurate and timely medical records, participating in quality improvement initiatives.
• Participating in infection prevention protocols and educating staff and patients on health promotion and disease prevention.
• Demonstrating strong clinical decision-making, communication skills, leadership, and technology proficiency with EHR and telemedicine tools.
• Physical capability to stand, walk, move for extended periods, and respond quickly in emergencies.

Qualifications:

• Degree Required: BS-PAS/MPAS/DMSc/MSN-NP/DNP
• Experience Level: 2 years (long-term care experience highly desirable)
• Board Certification: AANP/ANCC/PA
• License/Certification: Arkansas APRN/PA required

Work Environment: In-person at statewide PALTC facilities.