Advanced Practice Provider (APP) –Trauma

At OU Health’s Level I Trauma Center, every shift presents the opportunity to save lives, sharpen skills, and practice at the very top of your license. Our Advanced Practice Providers are essential members of the trauma care team — responding rapidly, managing high-acuity patients, collaborating with nationally recognized surgeons, and delivering excellence when it matters most. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to make meaningful impact, this is where you belong.

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) including Physician Assistants (PA-C) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) — serves as an independent healthcare provider delivering comprehensive patient care across outpatient and/or inpatient settings. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the APP is responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, education, health promotion, and care coordination for patients and families with both acute and chronic conditions. This role partners closely with administrative, nursing, physician, and academic teams to ensure safe, high-quality care and to support OU Health’s clinical, educational, and research missions. All care is provided within the scope of practice defined by state law, licensure, regulations, and institutional practice agreements.

Essential Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Conducts comprehensive, accurate, age-appropriate histories and physical examinations.

• Orders, interprets, and integrates diagnostic studies appropriately.

• Develops, implements, evaluates, and adjusts individualized plans of care.

• Maintains timely, clear, and complete documentation in the electronic medical record.

Patient Care

• Provides compassionate, patient- and family-centered care across the lifespan.

• Ensures coordinated, continuous care and clear communication among all care team members.

• Engages patients and families in care planning and treatment decisions.

• Uses evidence-based practice to promote health, prevent illness, and treat disease.

• Develops and evaluates standards of care, including policies, protocols, and clinical pathways.

• Considers cost-effectiveness and risk/benefit implications when making clinical decisions.

Research

• Participates in research activities that support improved patient care and treatment outcomes.

Communication

• Collaborates effectively with physicians, allied health professionals, and outside agencies.

• Counsels and educates patients and families.

• Advocates on behalf of patients navigating the healthcare system.

Professional Activities

• Contributes to the education of students and healthcare professionals.

• Participates in departmental and organizational meetings, committees, and initiatives.

• Supports quality improvement and performance activities.

• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.

• APRN: MSN or higher.

• PA: Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies.

Experience

• Three (3) or more years of experience as an APP in the relevant specialty preferred.

Licensure & Certification

For Nurse Practitioners:

• Active RN and APRN license in Oklahoma.

• Acute Care NP certification (ANCC and/or AANP).

For Physician Assistants:

• Active PA license in Oklahoma.

• Current NCCPA certification.

All APPs must also have:

• Active DEA license, or ability to obtain prior to or upon hire.

• BLS required on hire (American Heart Association).

• ACLS, PALS, NRP or other advanced certifications as required by specialty (must be obtained within 90 days of hire).

• Prescriptive authority required within 6 months of hire.

• Oklahoma licensure must be obtained within 30 days of offer if not already held.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, and presentation of acute and chronic conditions.

• High level of clinical competence in specialty-specific patient care and procedures.

• Proficiency in evidence-based medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical principles.

• Critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize clinical data.

• Self-awareness of strengths, limitations, and development needs.

• Demonstrates initiative in professional development and continuous learning.

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and foster mutual respect.

• Resilience and adaptability in emotionally intense or rapidly changing situations.

• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks.

• Proficiency with Windows-based applications and role-specific software.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism.

• Working knowledge of APP policies and protocols at the departmental and system level.

• Reliable transportation to travel between facilities.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage as needed.

Elevate Your Career with OU Health

Join OU Health, where physicians and advanced practice providers lead the way in transforming healthcare across Oklahoma and beyond. As the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, OU Health combines cutting-edge clinical care, groundbreaking research, and innovative education to create better outcomes for patients — and rewarding careers for providers.

When you become part of OU Health, you’ll collaborate with highly skilled colleagues, teach the next generation of healthcare professionals, and contribute to research that shapes the future of medicine. Our integrated care model ensures that every provider has the support, technology, and infrastructure needed to deliver exceptional care at every stage of life.

Why Choose OU Health

• Nationally Recognized Children’s Care
  Home to Oklahoma’s only comprehensive pediatric heart transplant program and a nationally recognized leader in children’s services.

• Most Specialized Network
  The state’s largest and most comprehensive specialty and subspecialty physician practice.

• National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation
  The only NCI-Designated Cancer Center in Oklahoma — one of just 73 nationwide.

• Level I Trauma Excellence
  Oklahoma’s leader in Level I trauma care for more than 30 years.