Nurse Practitioner (Np)-Colorectal Surgery Program

Under the supervision and direction of the directors of the Colorectal Surgery Program and Pelvic Floor Disorder Service (and Chief of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery) and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State of Massachusetts governing advanced practice provider (APP) practice.

The APP will be responsible for the care of patients assigned to the MGH colorectal program including the Center for Pelvic Floor Disorders, in the Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery.

The APP will coordinate and assist in assessment and management of patients in the colorectal surgery center including preoperative assessments, treatment of pelvic floor patients, and performing outpatient anorectal procedures including anorectal manometry, biofeedback therapy, high resolution anoscopy, anal ultrasounds, and hemorrhoidal banding, The APP will obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations on patients, perform therapeutic procedures, coordinate tests and consultations, implement treatment plans, communicate with referring physicians, and perform patient education. The incumbent is responsible to maintaining state licensure in good standing.

The management of colorectal surgery patients, including pelvic floor patients, in the outpatient setting in conjunction with the supervising surgeon and senior surgical resident / fellow. Includes clinical management of adult patients with benign colorectal and pelvic floor disease in the outpatient setting in conjunction with the MGH Colorectal Surgery Program physicians.

Initial Visits to Colorectal Program:

• Obtains a detailed, accurate medical history and performs a comprehensive physical examination.

• Coordinates consultations/testing for patients with either GI Medicine or Surgery.

• Treats patients with initial medical management

• Assists in patient education.

• Coordinates distribution of charts of anorectal physiology patients to the physicians involved in their interpretation.

• Performs minor anorectal procedures including:

• Anorectal manometry

• Anal ultrasound

• High Resolution anoscopy (HRA)

• Hemorrhoid banding

• I and D of perianal abscess

• Excision of thrombosed hemorrhoids

• Anal and perianal biopsies

Subsequent to the Visit to the MGH Colorectal Program:

• Reviews the final interpretation of studies and communicates significant finding to the physician.

• Follows up on any other tests that were ordered after the visit (e.g. blood tests, stress tests), and communicates results of outpatient testing to the patients.

• Participate and present patients to Center for Pelvic Floor Disorder Conference as appropriate

Preoperative:

• Assists in preoperative evaluation and education., obtaining a detailed accurate history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination.

• Reviews diagnostic data.

• May order necessary diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as requested by the attending surgeon.

• Prescribes medications / medication refills while adhering to hospital policies for medication administration as necessary.

Other Duties:

• Travels between multiple outpatient sites of service for care and management of patients.

• Receives routine clinical questions or updates from patients, whether by phone or through patient portal

• Promotes efficient utilization of anorectal and pelvic floor physiology procedure supplies.

• Participates as requested in MGH and MGB quality initiatives.

• Participates in various hospital and system committees as assigned.

• Insures timely and accurate submission of all charge related documentation for clinical services provided.

• Meets routinely with Colorectal Program physicians, DHC Colorectal Intake Coordinator, PFDC physicians and leadership to report on activities, referral patterns, customer satisfaction, problems, and recommendations.

• Meets routinely with supervisors to review statistics, progress and overall performance of the program.

Educational:

• Develops and implements routine patient instructions for benign colorectal disease, anorectal disease, and pelvic floor testing.

• Participates in General Surgery/Department of Surgery educational meetings

• Assists in clinical research related to colorectal surgery and pelvic floor disorders

• Pursues independent learning opportunities.

• Completes continuing education in relevant fields to maintain professional licensure

• Completes the necessary hours of continuing medical education during each 2-year period of employment. Attends internal and external education meetings and reads appropriate professional journals in order to maintain and enhance skills and clinical competence. Is encouraged to advance his/her medical and technical skills as appropriate to deliver optimum patient care.

• Certified as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant

• Current Licensed/Registered NP or PA in Massachusetts

• Qualified in all basic and advanced cardiac life support standards as established by the American Heart Association.

• Ideal candidate would have 3-5 years' experience in the Advanced Practice role, particularly in the full-service gastroenterology or colorectal arena.

• Must be a highly motivated individual who will work in a collaborative manner with physicians and other clinicians.

• Must be able to work at multiple clinical locations.