Position Overview
Incentives: $2,000 allowance per year for CME opportunities
Shifts: 4 10-hours shifts
Schedules: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Benefits and perks available for eligible positions include: robust educational assistance programs, generous paid time off, employee assistance and wellness programs, paid parental leave, qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, plus more.
Job Highlights
The Post Discharge Clinic (PDC) was established in 2021 to provide timely follow-up care for patients discharged from UAB Emergency Departments, UAB Urgent Care, and UAB Hospital. CMS standards often recommend follow-up within 7-14 days of discharge, with some patients requiring evaluation within 1-2 days based on the clinical judgment of the discharging provider. Given the volume and complexity of patients cared for within the UAB health system, timely and coordinated follow-up is essential to promoting patient safety, continuity of care, and successful transitions from acute care to outpatient management. PDC provides primarily one-time post-discharge appointments, with a second visit available at the discretion of the PDC provider. During these visits, the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) or physician evaluates the patient's specific post-discharge concerns while also providing interim primary care as appropriate. Patients are connected with the appropriate specialty services or directed to follow up with previously established providers.For patients who do not have an established primary care provider or who need assistance establishing ongoing primary care, PDC facilitates referrals within the UAB health system and to community partners, including local primary care practices, Cooper Green, and Cahaba Medical. The clinic has also developed partnerships with multiple specialty services to improve access and continuity of care. Gastrointestinal Surgery and Diabetes currently utilize PDC space for follow-up visits each one day per week. Partnerships with Cardiology and Neurology support timely initial evaluations for patients with emergency department chest pain presentations and patients requiring initial stroke follow-up, respectively, helping ensure appropriate management while patients await their specialty appointments. PDC continues to identify opportunities for additional partnerships and services that can further support the needs of the UAB health system and its patients.
APP Role and Responsibilities: PDC is a growing and evolving clinical environment. The APP will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team and must demonstrate flexibility in responding to the changing needs and priorities of the clinic. The APP will provide evidence-based, patient-centered care while practicing independently at the top of their scope of practice.
Key responsibilities include: Reviewing patient charts and hospital records to identify pertinent clinical information and post-discharge needs. Obtaining thorough and accurate histories, including detailed histories of present illness (HPI).Performing comprehensive, focused physical examinations based on each patient's clinical needs. Developing and implementing appropriate, individualized plans of care.Identifying the need for specialty consultation, additional diagnostic evaluation, or ongoing primary care. Coordinating care and facilitating appropriate follow-up to promote safe transitions from acute care to outpatient management. Collaborating effectively with physicians, APPs, nursing staff, care management, specialty services, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.Adapting to the evolving needs and workflow of a high-volume, post-acute care clinic. Because PDC frequently manages patients transitioning from inpatient and emergency care, familiarity with the UAB Hospitalist Service and hospital-based workflows is beneficial.
Ambulatory Intermediate Care Clinic (AICC): While the primary practice location and focus of this position will be the Post Discharge Clinic, the APP will also be expected to flex to the Ambulatory Intermediate Care Clinic (AICC) during periods of lower PDC volume. AICC was established to provide an alternative to Emergency Department referral for patients presenting to UAB outpatient clinics with low- to moderate-acuity conditions that can be appropriately evaluated and treated in an ambulatory setting. AICC also supports the timely evaluation and management of patients requiring hospital admission from outpatient clinics.Through these services, AICC helps reduce unnecessary Emergency Department utilization, improve patient flow, and minimize delays in care for patients requiring hospital admission. The APP will be expected to work collaboratively within the AICC model and adapt to patient volume and clinical needs across both services.This position offers an opportunity for an APP to practice in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment while supporting safe transitions of care, improving access to timely follow-up, and contributing to innovative care delivery across the UAB health system.
Job Description
To provide medical care and treatment within established scope of practice to acute care services and emergency medicine patients as assigned by and under the direction of the collaborating physician (Section 610-X-5 of the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code) or under supervision of a Board Certified Physician (Section 540-X-7 of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Administrative Code). The collaborating physician shall be available for direct communication for consultation and referral or arrange for the same medical coverage by a physician who is pre-approved by the State Board of Medical Examiners in the same manner as the collaborating physician of record. To coordinate plan of care, discharge and specialty referrals as appropriate to meet the age specific needs of the patient. To plan and coordinate health care education for patient, family and other health care providers as needed. To perform comprehensive physical examinations and assessments. To interpret, analyze and evaluate patient’s medical record and social data. To perform and/or assist the physician with procedures per collaborative agreement. To coordinate and participate in performance improvement activities.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
1. Based on thorough physical and psychosocial patient assessments, formulates and implements comprehensive patient care plans focused on immediate decisions necessary for acute care and emergency (prehospital and emergency department) patients. Plans include patient and family education, prescriptions, additional lab and diagnostic testing, and therapies.
2. Ensures complete documentation of patient assessments, patient care plans, and care provided.
3. Orders and interprets laboratory and other diagnostic tests for the patient.
4. Maintains records and reports as required by regulatory agencies and The Joint Commission (TJC). May coordinate and/or participate in performance and quality improvement activities.
5. May assist in the coordination of research protocols, serving as a patient advocate and a liaison between the patient and other health care providers.
6. Provides assistance in orientation and/or training of new clinical personnel as needed. Provides educational information by conducting workshops, in-service training and distributing appropriate materials for patients and staff.
7. Serves as the expert clinical resource to the clinical staff and patients in the area of specialty.
8. Provides a safe environment for patients and others.
9. Demonstrates a responsible attitude toward continued professional growth.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Master's degree in nursing with an Adult Acute Care NP certification or graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.
Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:
Currently certified as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) Specialty by the Alabama Board of Nursing or licensed as a Physician Assistant by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners with certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants required. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) is required or should be obtained within 30 days of employment. Depending on the unit/department, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the American Heart Association (AHA), and/or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) may be required.
Why Work at UAB Medicine
We are UAB Medicine, Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive health system, recognized nationally for delivering world-class patient care, pioneering research, and cutting-edge medical education. We proudly serve more than 1.2 million patients each year – from every county in Alabama, all 50 states, and many countries around the world. Our network spans numerous hospitals, emergency departments, many other sites of care, and a team of over 2,000 physicians. Our key facilities include UAB Hospital – ranked the No. 1 hospital in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report and home to the state’s first ACS-verified Level I adult trauma center and only Magnet-designated hospital – along with UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye and five UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals serving central Alabama.
UAB Medicine offers careers across a wide range of practice environments, from our internationally renowned academic medical center and award-winning community hospitals to our primary and specialty care clinics across the state. Whether you’re seeking the fast-paced learning environment of a tertiary care setting or the close-knit environment of a community facility, there’s a place for you on our team where you can become part of a mission-driven organization committed to delivering life-changing care. With nearly every medical specialty represented and unlimited opportunities for growth, you’ll find the right fit for your skills and career goals. We care for you by offering comprehensive, industry-leading benefit packages to support the individual preferences and circumstances of our diverse staff.