Advanced Practitioner - Urgent Care

DeKalb Health; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 105,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with generous company match

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Job summary

Palmetto Primary Care Physicians (PPCP) in North Charleston, SC, seeks an Advanced Practitioner (NP/PA) for a fast-paced outpatient urgent care role. You will assess acute illnesses, perform procedures, and coordinate care within a collaborative team, ensuring timely, high-quality patient outcomes.

The position requires applicable licensure, national certification, DEA, BLS, and prior urgent care experience. Competitive benefits and a supportive work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted state licensure as NP or PA.
• National certification (ANCC/AANP for NPs; NCCPA for PAs).
• Current DEA registration or eligibility to obtain one.
• Current BLS certification.
• Prior urgent care, emergency medicine, family medicine, or related clinical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform focused histories and physical examinations to assess acute conditions.
• Diagnose and treat urgent care presentations, including injuries and minor trauma.
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests such as labs, rapid tests, EKGs, and radiographs.
• Prescribe medications and treatments in accordance with state scope of practice.
• Perform minor procedures, including wound care, suturing, incision and drainage, and foreign body removal.
• Determine appropriate level of care and make timely referrals or transfers for higher-acuity patients.
• Document patient encounters accurately in the EHR and ensure compliance with billing.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and staff to maintain clinic workflow.
• Adhere to infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards.
• Maintain knowledge of urgent care guidelines and participate in quality improvement.

Skills

Urgent care medicine

EHR proficiency

Clinical documentation

Pharmacology knowledge

Assessment of acute conditions

Education

Bachelor’s degree (PA)

Master’s degree (NP)

Tools

EHR systems

DEA registration

Job description

• Location 2550 Elms Center Road,North Charleston, SC, 29406,United States
• Employee Type Full Time
• Manage Others No

Description

Palmetto Primary Care Physicians (PPCP) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Advanced Practitioner (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant) to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will provide high-quality patient care, collaborate with physicians and clinical staff, and support the delivery of exceptional medical services.

• Offer 401K with generous company match
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Offered

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform focused patient histories and physical examinations to assess acute and episodic conditions.
• Diagnose and treat common urgent care presentations, including but not limited to injuries, infections, lacerations, fractures, respiratory illness, and minor trauma.
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests such as labs, rapid tests, EKGs, and radiographic imaging (e.g., X-rays).
• Prescribe medications and treatments in accordance with state scope of practice and collaborative/supervising agreements.
• Perform minor procedures, including wound care, suturing, incision and drainage, and foreign body removal.
• Determine appropriate level of care and make timely referrals or transfers for patients requiring higher-acuity treatment (e.g., emergency department).
• Document patient encounters accurately and promptly in the electronic health record (EHR), ensuring compliance with coding and billing requirements.
• Communicate clearly with patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff to maintain efficient clinic workflow and patient throughput.
• Adhere to infection control, safety, and regulatory standards (OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA, etc.).
• Maintain current knowledge of urgent care best practices, treatment protocols, and clinical guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in training or mentoring new clinical staff, students, or residents as needed.
• Participate in community outreach, health fairs, or clinic marketing events.
• Provide input on clinic supply, equipment, or workflow improvements.
• Cover additional shifts as needed.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong foundation in urgent/acute care medicine, including diagnosis and management of episodic illness and minor trauma.
• Working knowledge of pharmacology, appropriate prescribing practices, and drug interactions.
• Familiarity with point-of-care testing, basic radiology interpretation, and common procedural techniques.
• Understanding of HIPAA, OSHA, and other applicable healthcare regulations.

Skills

• Proficient in performing history and physical exams efficiently under time constraints.
• Skilled in minor procedures (suturing, incision and drainage, wound care).
• Strong clinical documentation skills, including EHR proficiency.
• Effective verbal and written communication with patients, families, and care teams.

Abilities

• Ability to make sound clinical decisions quickly and independently within scope of practice.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize care in a high-volume, walk-in clinic setting.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, including with distressed or difficult patients.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with a diverse patient population.

Required Qualifications:

• Physician Assistant: Bachelor’s degree and successful completion of accredited physician assistant program.
• Nurse Practitioner: Master’s degree and certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) based on RN licensure and state authority for advanced practice.
• Current, unrestricted state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• National certification (e.g., ANCC/AANP for NPs; NCCPA for PAs).
• Current DEA registration or eligibility to obtain one.
• Current BLS certification.
• Prior urgent care, emergency medicine, family medicine, or related clinical experience preferred.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to concentrate and maintain attention to detail in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make critical decisions under time pressure.
• Ability to manage stress associated with unpredictable patient volume, acuity, and clinical emergencies.
• Ability to interact professionally and empathetically with patients experiencing pain, anxiety, or distress.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing patient needs and clinic demands.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to full shift).
• Ability to lift and/or assist in moving patients (up to 50 lbs, with assistance as needed for heavier loads).
• Manual dexterity required to perform procedures such as suturing, and injections.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read charts, monitors, and diagnostic images.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to assess patients (e.g., auscultation) and communicate effectively.
• Ability to react quickly and physically respond in emergency situations.
• Occasional bending, reaching, kneeling, and pushing/pulling equipment.

This position is based in an outpatient urgent care clinic setting characterized by:

• A fast-paced, walk-in environment with variable and often unpredictable patient volume.
• Extended clinic hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, and other potential biohazards, requiring adherence to standard precautions and infection control protocols.
• A collaborative, team-based setting working closely with other providers, nursing staff, medical assistants, radiology technicians, and administrative personnel.
• Use of standard clinical equipment, including EHR systems, diagnostic imaging equipment, and point-of-care testing devices.
• A dynamic environment requiring flexibility, multitasking, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Summary

An exempt position responsible for providing direct, patient-centered care in a fast-paced outpatient urgent care setting. This role is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients of all ages presenting with acute illnesses, minor injuries, and episodic health concerns. The Advanced Practitioner works collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, and clinic support personnel to ensure timely, safe, and high-quality care, while maintaining efficient patient flow in a walk-in clinic environment.