Sanford Health: APP - Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant | Acute Care - Watertown, SD

Role Overview

Sanford Health is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to join our team in Watertown, South Dakota. In this role, you will provide immediate, high-quality advanced nursing care for patients presenting with non-life-threatening acute illnesses and minor injuries. As an integral part of our Urgent-Acute-Walk-In Care team, you will assess, diagnose, treat, and educate patients in a fast-paced environment, working collaboratively with physicians and healthcare staff to ensure efficient patient flow and exceptional care delivery.

A Day in the Life

Your day will be dynamic and varied, requiring a blend of clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect:

• Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough patient histories and physical examinations to understand their concerns and medical background.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, including respiratory infections, minor fractures, lacerations, burns, and allergic reactions.
• Diagnostic Testing: Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays, lab work, and EKGs to aid in accurate diagnoses.
• Minor Procedures: Perform minor procedures like wound suturing, splinting, incision and drainage, and foreign body removal.
• Patient Education: Provide comprehensive patient education on illness prevention, medication use, and follow-up care instructions.
• Medication Management: Prescribe medications and therapies according to your scope of practice and established protocols.
• Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to optimize patient care and ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Documentation: Document all patient encounters accurately and in a timely manner within the electronic health record (EHR).
• Quality Improvement: Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and maintain compliance with clinic policies and regulatory standards.
• Emergency Response: Respond promptly to emergencies and escalate care when necessary, ensuring patient safety.

Why Watertown, South Dakota?

Watertown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it an attractive place to live and work. Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, Watertown boasts:

• Affordable Living: Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, allowing you to stretch your income further.
• Outdoor Recreation: Explore the natural beauty of the region with numerous lakes, parks, and recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and boating.
• Family-Friendly Community: Benefit from excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community.
• Cultural Attractions: Discover local museums, art galleries, and theaters that showcase the region's rich history and culture.
• Convenient Location: Watertown provides easy access to larger cities like Sioux Falls and Minneapolis, offering additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Career Path at Sanford Health

Sanford Health is committed to fostering the professional growth and development of its employees. As an NP or PA in our Acute Care setting, you will have opportunities to:

• Expand your clinical skills: Gain experience in treating a diverse range of acute conditions.
• Pursue advanced certifications: Enhance your expertise in specialized areas of acute care.
• Take on leadership roles: Mentor new team members or participate in clinical leadership initiatives.
• Engage in research: Contribute to research projects aimed at improving patient care and outcomes.
• Advance your education: Access continuing education resources and support for further academic pursuits.

Salary and Benefits

Sanford Health offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience and qualifications.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Continuing Education: Allowance for professional development activities.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage provided by Sanford Health.
• Retirement Plan: Employer-matched retirement savings plan.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Wellness Programs: Resources and programs to promote employee well-being.

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is dedicated to the work of health and healing, and we are proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 team members. At Sanford Health, you can expect:

• A collaborative and supportive work environment: Where teamwork and mutual respect are highly valued.
• A commitment to patient-centered care: Putting the needs of our patients first.
• A focus on innovation and excellence: Continuously striving to improve our services and outcomes.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development: Investing in our employees' success.
• A strong sense of community: Connecting with colleagues and giving back to the communities we serve.

How to Apply

To apply for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant position at Sanford Health in Watertown, SD, please submit your application online through our careers website. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the required qualifications for this position?

   A Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program is required. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner in South Dakota, a DEA permit, and national board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner are also necessary.

2. Is prior experience in urgent care or emergency medicine required?

   Experience in urgent care, emergency, or primary care settings is preferred but not always required. We value candidates with a strong clinical foundation and a willingness to learn.

3. What is the scope of practice for NPs and PAs in this role?

   NPs and PAs in our Acute Care setting have a broad scope of practice, including diagnosing and treating a variety of acute illnesses and injuries, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medications.

4. What opportunities are there for professional development?

   Sanford Health offers numerous opportunities for professional development, including continuing education allowances, leadership training programs, and support for advanced certifications.

5. What is the work schedule for this position?

   The work schedule is typically day shifts, but may vary depending on clinic needs. The specific schedule will be discussed during the interview process.

6. What is the patient volume in the Urgent-Acute-Walk-In Care clinic?

   The patient volume can be high, especially during peak seasons. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational and time-management skills.

7. What type of support staff is available in the clinic?

   The clinic is staffed with experienced nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff who provide support to NPs and PAs.

8. What is the process for obtaining privileges at Sanford Health?

   The privileging process involves submitting an application, providing documentation of qualifications and experience, and undergoing a review by the medical staff.

9. What is the electronic health record (EHR) system used at Sanford Health?

   Sanford Health utilizes Epic, a comprehensive and user-friendly EHR system.

10. What is the dress code for this position?

    The dress code is professional attire, typically scrubs or business casual attire with a lab coat.