Running head: JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE AG-ACNP
Job Description of the AG-ACNP
Leah Fite
Wright State University
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JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE AG-ACNP
Job Description of the AG-ACNP
Job Title
Adult Geriatric-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
Job Description
The AG-ACNP will provide holistic care of the peri-operative patient from the point of
pre-operative assessment and admission to the hospital to the time of discharge to a decreased
level of care. The focus of the AG-ACNP is to obtain a detailed history and perform a
comprehensive physical examination, order and interpret important laboratory and diagnostic
studies, and develop and implement plans for the care of the peri-operative patient. The AGACNP must also act as a collaborator with other members of the healthcare team, and provide
education to the nursing staff, patients, and families.
Position Summary
The position of the AG-ACNP working within the surgical team involves managing
health problems and coordinating care for the perioperative patient; encompassing performing
comprehensive assessment, development of plan of care and treatment, and evaluation of
outcomes.
Qualifications
Qualifications for the AG-ACNP on the surgery service include graduation from an
accredited adult acute care nurse practitioner program with a masters or doctorate in nursing
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JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE AG-ACNP
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practice. The individual must hold a current Ohio registered nurse license, as well as a current
board certified advanced practice nurse certificate of authority as a nurse practitioner, and be
certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). A certificate to prescribe must be held, or
obtained within one year of start date. The individual should have three to four years of clinical
nursing practice, and demonstrate experience or interest in general surgical patient care. Greater
than one year of experience is preferred, although will consider new graduates working toward
prescriptive authority in their role. Evidence of professional liability insurance, with limits is
encouraged.
Reporting Structure
The AG-ACNP will report to the attending physician every morning regarding patient
status and plan of care. Multidisciplinary rounds occur with the ACNP, bedside RN, pharmacist,
and care coordinator to establish patient centered outcomes. To ensure a closed loop of
communication, the ACNP will update the attending physician with important data relating to
patient status and outcomes throughout the day.
Roles and Responsibilities
Clinical Practice

Provide direct clinical service to the adult patient undergoing general surgery,
according to established protocols, while utilizing evidence-based practice standards,
under the supervision of the attending physician

Obtain a comprehensive history and perform physical exam for the patient in the perioperative setting, documenting both pertinent normal and abnormal findings

Order and interpret appropriate laboratory and diagnostic testing
JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE AG-ACNP
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Educate and explain the nature, preparation, and anticipated effects of necessary
procedures to patients and families

Collaborate with the patient, family, and multi-disciplinary team to formulate and
implement a mutually agreed upon plan of care that encompasses desired patient
outcomes

Keep detailed and up to date information regarding patient encounters in the
electronic medical records

Prescribe appropriate pharmacotherapeutics under certificate to prescribe-externship
(CTP-E), or under valid certificate to prescribe (CTP), and document all prescriptions
in patient medical record

Assess patients for change in status and initiate appropriate interventions in order to
stabilize patient

Perform necessary credentialed procedures (central line insertion, intubation, arterial
line insertion) for the stabilization of patient, and maintain those credentials
Education

Maintain the required continuing education units to uphold his/her certification and
licensing required by the state of Ohio

Promote professional growth and assist in high quality performance

Sustain current knowledge and skills and incorporate that knowledge to improve
patient outcomes
JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE AG-ACNP
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Guide, mentor, and educate nursing staff, patients, and patient families on plan of
care, and management of complex chronic illnesses and health situations, and
transitions of care through formal and informal teaching

Attend annual educational conferences of choice that he/she will incorporate the new
knowledge to improve patient care and outcomes

Precept healthcare learners, advanced practice providers, and new nurse practitioners
Research

Promote evidence-based practice and integrate current guidelines and
recommendations to optimize patient care outcomes

Develop organizational policies achieved through synthesis and translation of
scientific research and clinical inquiry

Participate in quality and performance improvement projects
Professional Leadership

Display leadership through coaching, teaching, and supporting others in improvement
of patient plan of care

Promote advancement of the profession through participation in local and national
professional organizations, as well as committees and councils within the healthcare
organization

Serve as a resource and mentor to the nursing staff, providing education and staff
development and support in order to advance the plan of care for the peri-operative
patient.
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Evaluation

Participate in performance appraisal, self-reflection, and peer review annually

Bi-annual evaluation of performance, attendance, skills, critical thinking,
documentation and planning by the collaborating physician(s) outlined in the standard
care agreement

Evaluation of patient care and outcomes on an individual daily basis, and changes
made in plan of care, to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Scheduled Hours
This is a full time position, requiring 40 hours per week; Monday through Friday from
6am-4pm. Rotation of weekends will require every other weekend to be worked into the
schedule. No call is required.
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References
Bell, L. (2012). AACN Scope and Standards for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners: American
Association of Critical Care Nurses. Aliso Viejo, CA:
American Association of
Critical Care Nurses.
Duke University (2011). Job Description: Nurse Practitioner, Critical Care. Retrieved from
http://www.hr.duke.edu/jobs/job_descriptions/campus/select.php?ID=2707
Ohio Board of Nursing (2014). Prescriptive Authority/Certificate to Prescribe. Retrieved from
http://www.nursing.ohio.gov
Trihealth (2015). Job Description: Advanced Practice Nurse. Retrieved from
https://career8.successfactors.com/career?company=TriHealth&career_ns=job_listing_su
mmary&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&_s.crb=nLRsgrxL1DwCbpB919cc3PL1Bjo%3d