Gastro APP Hybrid - Huntersville and Lake Norman

To apply for the Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider (APP) role at Atrium Health, candidates typically need to possess a Master's Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program or a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing Practice for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. A valid certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, or a nationally recognized certifying body for Nurse Practitioners, is also required. Furthermore, at least two years of Gastroenterology experience is preferred, with skills in PEG tube insertions being a plus.

As a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider at Atrium Health, your typical working day will involve 100% adult medicine, with outpatient clinic hours from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The role includes scheduled time for inpatient consults and rounds at the Atrium Health Lake Norman Hospital, providing a diverse experience in both settings. In addition, there is a half-day designated each week for administrative tasks, ensuring you have the time needed to manage your responsibilities effectively.

In the Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider role at Atrium Health, you can expect to see around 14 outpatient patients per day. The inpatient volume typically ranges from 5 to 8 patients daily, allowing for manageable patient interactions while ensuring that you can provide high-quality care tailored to each patient's needs.

The Gastroenterology practice at Atrium Health is designed to foster teamwork, consisting of two physicians and two Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). This structure allows for collaborative patient management while maintaining an inclusive environment where ideas and feedback are valued, creating a supportive network for both personal and professional growth.

At Atrium Health, professional growth for a Gastroenterology Advanced Practice Provider is encouraged through various avenues. The organization promotes continuing education and training, and the supportive leadership fosters an environment that values innovation and development. You'll work alongside some of the most advanced minds in medicine, gaining valuable experience that can enhance your skills and career trajectory.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences that showcase your skills and knowledge in gastroenterology. Discuss particular procedures you've performed, your patient demographics, and how you've managed care for complex cases. It’s also beneficial to convey your passion for the specialty and any ongoing education you’ve pursued.

Demonstrating your time management and organizational skills is key here. Discuss techniques like prioritizing patient needs, delegating tasks when applicable, and utilizing efficient documentation practices to ensure all patients receive exemplary care without sacrificing quality, especially in an outpatient gastroenterology setting.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution and patient communication. Emphasize the importance of empathy, active listening, and adaptability when addressing patients’ concerns. Providing an example from your past experience can illustrate how you've effectively navigated difficult situations while ensuring patient care remains a top priority.

Mention specific strategies you use to stay informed, such as attending conferences, accessing professional journals, participating in workshops, or being part of online forums and networks. Showing dedication to lifelong learning not only demonstrates your commitment to the specialty but also your intention to improve patient outcomes.

If applicable, share your hands-on experiences with PEG tube procedures. Discuss the protocols you’ve followed, your involvement in patient education, and interventions you've made which reflect your competence in this area. If you haven’t performed them yet, express your willingness to learn and any relevant training you’ve undertaken.

Describe strategies for prioritization and time management. You can explain how you schedule time efficiently and utilize technology for documentation to minimize disruptions during patient care. Providing an example of how you’ve achieved this balance in previous roles would enhance your answer.

Focus on the importance of collaborative patient-centered care. Discuss how you foster good communication with colleagues, share insights, and draw from diverse skillsets to enhance overall team performance. Offer an example of how effective teamwork positively impacted patient outcomes in your experience.

Explain your approach to patient education, emphasizing clear communication, tailoring information to the patient’s understanding, and using visual aids when necessary. Mention how you follow up to ensure comprehension and adherence to treatment plans, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive environment for patient inquiries.

Discuss your systematic approach to prioritization, considering urgency, patient needs, and scheduled appointments. You might mention using a checklist or digital tools to keep track of daily tasks while ensuring that the most critical patient care needs are met promptly.

Convey your passion for the specialty by discussing specific aspects you find rewarding, such as building long-term relationships with patients, the continual advancement of medical practices, and the satisfaction of helping patients feel better. Sharing personal anecdotes can make your answer more engaging and relatable.