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Job description
We are recruiting for a mission-driven Clinical Decision Unit APP (PRN) (CDU) to join our team!
We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we live every day, for life's journey.
Our Values
Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency
Department
Emergency Department Physician Emergency Department Clinical Decision Unit Advanced Practice Provider (PA/NP)
Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Emergency Department Observation Unit
Position Summary
The Emergency Department Clinical Decision Unit Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, monitoring, and disposition planning for patients requiring extended observation following Emergency Department evaluation. The APP manages patients placed in observation status under established clinical pathways and evidence-based protocols, typically for stays up to 24 hours.
Working collaboratively with Emergency Medicine physicians, consulting specialists, nursing staff, case management, rehabilitation services, and ancillary departments, the APP is responsible for ongoing patient assessment, treatment optimization, coordination of care, and determining appropriate discharge or admission disposition.
This position offers an opportunity to provide high-quality, protocol-driven care while maintaining close collaboration with Emergency Medicine and inpatient teams.
Essential Responsibilities
Clinical Management
Perform comprehensive history and physical examinations on observation patients.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans within established observation pathways.
Monitor patient progress through serial assessments and reassessments.
Order, interpret, and act upon diagnostic studies including laboratory testing, imaging, and cardiac monitoring.
Initiate and manage evidence-based treatment protocols.
Perform medication reconciliation and adjust treatment plans as clinically indicated.
Identify patients requiring escalation of care and facilitate admission or specialty consultation when appropriate.
Coordinate safe and timely discharge planning.
Observation Pathway Management
Manage patients within established observation protocols, including but not limited to:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation
Cellulitis requiring oral antibiotic therapy
Hyperglycemia and diabetes-related management
Asthma exacerbation
COPD exacerbation
Syncope evaluation
Chest pain risk stratification
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) workup
Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities
PT/OT evaluations and mobility assessments
Case management and placement evaluations
Other observation diagnoses as approved by department leadership
Care Coordination
Collaborate closely with Emergency Medicine physicians regarding patient management and disposition.
Coordinate care with consulting services, hospitalists, specialists, nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, case management, social work, and rehabilitation services.
Facilitate PT/OT assessments and recommendations.
Communicate treatment plans and discharge instructions effectively with patients and families.
Ensure timely transitions of care.
Documentation and Quality
Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic medical record.
Maintain knowledge of observation medicine regulations, billing requirements, and quality metrics.
Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.
Support departmental goals related to patient throughput, length of stay, and patient satisfaction.
Schedule
12-hour shifts:7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Rotating schedule including:Days and nights
Weekends
Holidays
Mixed shift coverage required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
PAC-Certified Physician Assistant - NCCPA - National Commission for Certifying Agencies Required or
NP-Nurse Practitioner - AANPCB - American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board Required
APN - Advanced Nurse Practitioner - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required or
PA-Physician Assistant - State Medical Board Required
Licensure
DEA registration (or eligibility).
Current BLS certification.
ACLS certification required or obtained within designated timeframe.
Experience
Minimum of one (1) year of hospitalist, emergency medicine, observation medicine, internal medicine or other equivalent inpatient/acute care experience as an APP.
Experience managing medically complex adult patients preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Two or more years of Emergency Medicine, Observation Medicine, or Hospital Medicine experience.
Experience with protocol-driven clinical pathways.
Strong skills in patient assessment, clinical decision-making, and disposition planning.
Familiarity with multidisciplinary care coordination and discharge planning processes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to independently evaluate and manage observation patients within established protocols.
Strong clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Ability to prioritize multiple patients and adapt to changing clinical needs.
Commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork.
Proficiency with electronic medical records and computerized provider order entry systems.
Work Environment
The Emergency Department Observation Unit is a fast-paced clinical setting designed to provide short-term treatment, monitoring, diagnostic evaluation, and care coordination for patients requiring additional observation beyond their initial Emergency Department evaluation. APPs work collaboratively with Emergency Medicine physicians and multidisciplinary teams to deliver efficient, high-quality care while facilitating appropriate discharge or admission decisions.
Reports To: Medical Director, Clinical Decision Unit and APP Director
Department: Emergency Medicine - Clinical Decision Unit
This description is intended to outline the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed.
Shift
Varies (United States of America) Work Type
PRN/Intermittent Salary
$148,100.00 - $165,000.00 / yr (Pay range listed is for 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE). See Work Type for actual FTE)
Benefits
At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future - with exceptional retirement contributions, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development - while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.
Here is a small list of our benefit programs:
Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%
On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes
Community resource navigation support
Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching
About Denver Health
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.
Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.
Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.