Nurse Practitioner - University Center of Pain Management

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing acute and chronic pain conditions. Working collaboratively with physicians and other members of the healthcare team, the NP is responsible for evaluating patients, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, monitoring treatment effectiveness, educating patients, and coordinating ongoing care.

The NP will practice in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, professional standards, organizational policies, and the scope of practice established by the individual's licensure and credentials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Evaluation and Diagnosis

• Obtain & document comprehensive medical histories, including pain history, previous treatments, medications, medical conditions, & relevant psychosocial factors.
• Perform physical examinations and focused pain assessments.
• Evaluate & diagnose patients presenting with acute and chronic pain conditions within the NP's scope of practice.
• Review & interpret relevant diagnostic studies, laboratory results, imaging, & medical records.
• Identify potential underlying causes of pain and recognize conditions requiring additional evaluation or referral.
• Assess patients for functional limitations, quality-of-life concerns, & factors that may affect treatment outcomes.

Treatment Planning and Management

• Develop individualized, evidence-based pain management treatment plans in collaboration with the patient and supervising/collaborating physician, as applicable.
• Initiate, prescribe, adjust, and discontinue medications as permitted by state and federal law and practice policy.
• Monitor the effectiveness, safety, and potential adverse effects of prescribed medications.
• Provide appropriate education regarding medication use, risks, benefits, potential side effects, and expectations for treatment.
• Evaluate patients receiving controlled substances in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and practice policies.
• Utilize appropriate risk-assessment and monitoring practices for patients receiving controlled medications.
• Incorporate non-pharmacologic and multimodal approaches to pain management when appropriate.
• Coordinate referrals to physical therapy, behavioral health, specialists, and other healthcare professionals as clinically indicated.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans based on clinical response and functional outcomes.

Procedures and Clinical Services

• Perform clinical procedures consistent with the NP's education, training, competency, privileges, & applicable scope of practice.
• Assist physicians with procedures when appropriate.
• Provide pre-procedure and post-procedure patient assessment and education.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to complications or adverse clinical events.
• Maintain current competency and required training for procedures performed within the practice.

Patient Education and Communication

• Educate patients and families regarding pain conditions, treatment options, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and realistic treatment goals.
• Encourage appropriate patient participation in treatment decisions and self-management strategies.
• Establish professional, compassionate relationships with patients and families.
• Communicate effectively with patients regarding expectations, treatment goals, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• Address patient concerns professionally and escalate clinical concerns when appropriate.

Documentation and Care Coordination

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete electronic medical records in accordance with practice standards and regulatory requirements.
• Document assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, patient education, and follow-up recommendations.
• Review outside medical records and obtain pertinent information necessary for safe patient care.
• Coordinate care with primary care providers, specialists, pharmacies, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Complete required clinical documentation, forms, medication-related documentation, and other assigned medical records responsibilities.

Compliance and Quality

• Practice in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including regulations governing controlled substances and prescribing.
• Follow all organizational policies and clinical protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and compliance initiatives.
• Maintain appropriate professional licensure, certifications, DEA registration, and other credentials required for the position.
• Maintain current knowledge of pain management practices, clinical guidelines, pharmacology, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Protect patient privacy and maintain compliance with HIPAA and applicable privacy regulations.
• Report suspected medication misuse, diversion, unsafe prescribing practices, or other patient safety concerns in accordance with practice policy and applicable law.

Requirements

Required

• Current & unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in the state of practice.
• Graduate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
• National board certification appropriate to the NP's specialty.
• Current BLS certification.
• Current DEA registration
• Eligible for or able to obtain appropriate state prescribing authority.
• Ability to meet the credentialing and privileging requirements of the practice.

Preferred

• Previous experience in pain management, anesthesia, orthopedics, neurology, primary care, emergency medicine, or another specialty involving complex pain management.
• Experience managing patients with chronic pain and complex medication regimens.
• Experience with controlled-substance monitoring and risk assessment.
• Experience with pain-related procedures and/or interventional pain management.
• Familiarity with prescription drug monitoring programs and applicable pain-management regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of pharmacology and multimodal approaches to pain management.
• Strong understanding of medication safety and controlled substance prescribing practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accurate clinical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple patients and competing clinical priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to evidence-based, ethical, and patient-centered care.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, which may include prolonged periods of sitting and standing, walking throughout the clinical environment, bending, reaching, and assisting with patient care and procedures as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.