Overview

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Job Summary: This unique role will support a partnership between Fire Department Community Assistance, Referral, and Education Service (CARES) program and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to proactively visit and treat individuals in the field. The CARES unit is a multidisciplinary team aiming to prevent crises by being proactive in the field. Depending on the fire department, it is staffed by a combination of:

1. a) Firefighter/EMT trained in crisis intervention
2. b) Social worker
3. c) Substance use disorder professional

The APP would attend to patients referred by CARES that have a need for a basic, non-emergency level of medical care that can be provided in their home rather than in a hospital or clinic setting.The APP may also join the CARES team to address patient medical needs in tandem with social services provided by the other CARES team members. The anticipated scope of work for patient treatments may include but is not limited to cold & flu, pneumonia, sprains, headaches, basic substance abuse support, assisting the unhoused, wound care, prescription refills, and other medical needs typically attended to in the urgent care setting. The goal of the APPs efforts is to expand access to care by meeting patients where they are. In collaboration with CARES, they can identify and remove barriers currently impeding community members access to routine and preventive medical care. While initial treatments would take place in the field, the ultimate goal would be to connect patients to the most appropriate level of care offered in the community. The APP may also serve as a temporary bridge in care for patients awaiting appointments with their primary care provider. The APP will provide similar in field services for VMFH patients who frequently utilize emergency department services and for recently discharged patients with a higher risk for readmission.

Essential Duties:

• Interview and examine patients to determine a diagnosis. Prepare patients for routine procedures (measure blood pressure and temperature, etc.).
• Order tests to ascertain the nature and extent of illnesses and injuries.
• Prescribe medications and suggest lifestyle changes to remedy medical problems.
• Provide therapeutic treatments; disinfect/stitch wounds and set bones.
• Administer immunizations.
• Make house calls to treat and follow-up with patients.
• Cultivate a climate of trust and compassion for patients.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations; comply strictly with medical care regulations.
• Protect patients and Fire Department employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Review and maintain patients medical histories and records, record patients progress.
• Educate and counsel patients and their families.

Work environment: This position will work in the field alongside fire department personnel and other first responders such as firefighters, EMTs, Social Workers, and/or substance use disorder professionals.. Work will frequently occur in a home or community setting.

Applicable background experience may include:

- EMS, EMT, paramedicine experience

- Emergency Department and/or Urgent Care experience

- Community Health / family practice experience

- Military medicine background

License/Certification:

• Current State ARNP/PA license with prescriptive authority.
• CPR certification.
• BCLS required.

Applicable background experience may include:

- EMS, EMT, paramedicine experience

- Emergency Department and/or Urgent Care experience

- Community Health / family practice experience

- Military medicine background