ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE, PEDIATRICS

Code: 06241 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Examples of work

• Recognizes and manages specific common deviations from wellness including stabilized long-term illnesses, some of which may be determined by joint protocol.
• Assesses the physical, developmental, and psychosocial health status of individuals in a variety of settings through collection of health data.
• Interviews and counsels patient and/or parents and families to compile a complete medical history, and counsels patients and/or parents and families on any problems which may arise during interview.
• Performs complete physical examinations which include but are not limited to observation, taking blood pressure, weight, height, and blood samples, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, utilizing appropriate tools and instruments.
• Performs eye examinations including the testing by eye chart, illiterate eye chart, and Titmus machine.
• Performs inspection of the cervix through internal examinations including obtaining cytological specimens for study to determine development of disease in female infants and children.
• Performs rectum and colon examinations including obtaining cytological and/or stool samples for study to determine abnormalities and/or disease in infants.
• Performs inspection of the genital organs and abdomen of infant males to determine presence of hydrocele, inguinal hernias as well as other hernias, undescended testicles, hypospadia, and malformation of the prepuce.
• Performs ear examinations to detect ear infections or other disease and abnormalities.
• Performs hearing screens for deafness or hearing impairment including tone tests and VASC audiometers and tuning forks.
• Performs throat and nose examinations for identification of infections, growths, and irregular tonsils and adenoids including the gathering of throat cultures for identification of disease.
• Performs examination of the chest including auscultation of the heart for detection of heart murmur and other irregularities as well as examination by auscultation of the lungs and bronchial tubes to determine asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other pulmonary diseases.
• Makes accurate identification of problems/diagnoses based on interpretation of findings.
• Evaluates patient need for immediate nursing intervention, consultation, and other health team referrals.
• Manages the plan of care by monitoring all aspects of the therapeutic regimen, recording patients' responses and progress, advising patient and/or parents and family regarding nursing needs, providing for these needs as appropriate, and advising patient and/or parents and family on other therapeutic measures.
• Counsels patient and/or parents and family as to findings, and refers patient to licensed physician for necessary follow up and treatment.
• Performs, orders, and interprets routine laboratory tests.
• Develops a health maintenance plan for patient including health education, disease prevention, and general anticipatory guidance.
• Provides periodic health supervision of well baby primary preventive health care and examinations.
• Provides clinical management within medical protocols of children with uncomplicated childhood diseases.
• Provides infant care including regulation of nutrition, cleanliness, and environmental surroundings through the education of parents and families.
• Provide education to parents regarding birth control and family planning including explanation of contraceptive drugs and devices, hygiene, and the psychological dimensions of family life.
• Provide health education and counseling to children, parents, and families including the psychosocial dimensions in the area of nutrition, psychomotor development, and family life in the cultural and social implications.
• Performs routine examination of the skeletal system for abnormalities or diseases of the bone.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Applicant must posses a current and valid certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse , Pediatrics, issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of normal pediatric care of infants and children from postnatal care to adulthood.
• Knowledge of the growth of children and the recognition and treatment of pediatric problems and deviations.
• Knowledge of normal physical and psychosexual development among children.
• Knowledge of appropriate management and interpretation of diagnostic studies and tests relevant to pediatric practice.
• Knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of accurate medical and other records.
• Knowledge of the development of the orthopedic structure of infants and children and the nutritional and health aspects of preventive care.
• Knowledge of the physiology of male infants and children and their particular problems with regard to intestinal and urological development and abnormalities.
• Knowledge of the origin, effects, treatment, and prevention of childhood diseases and their after effects.
• Knowledge of the mental, physical, psychological, and social aspects of children and infants and their relationship to their families and social environment.
• Knowledge of contraception and the various methods, health effects, family considerations, and economic results of family planning.
• Ability to conduct physical examinations which include eye, ear, nose, throat, thorax, abdomen, pelvic, rectal, colon, and orthopedic and general physical development.
• Ability to observe and report symptoms and conditions of patients.
• Ability to administer medications.
• Ability to analyze and interpret test and examination results and to communicate those results effectively with agency clients.
• Ability to prepare clear, informative, and accurate reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to secure a general pediatric health history from patient, parents, or families.
• Ability to recognize common medical problems or deviations from normality.
• Ability to make an assessment of psychological, social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of parenting.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care collaboratively with other health care professionals.
• Ability to obtain and interpret a comprehensive pediatric history.
• Ability to interpret data obtained through a systematic assessment of all body systems to differentiate normal from abnormal states.
• Ability to obtain clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic information and interpret resultant data.
• Ability to institute biophysical monitoring techniques and interpret resultant data.
• Ability to utilize historical, clinical, and biophysical data in collaboration with physicians to formulate a diagnosis.
• Ability to initiate diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational interventions including consultations and referrals.
• Ability to evaluate and document responses to interventions and modify the plan of care as indicated.
• Ability to interpret current research findings to determine appropriateness for application to practice and standards of care.
• Ability to utilize adult learning principles to teach the family, nursing staff, and other health care providers and the community about the care, growth, and development of infants and children.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.