Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner Per Diem (NURSE PRACT PD)

This position provides independent advanced-level nurse practitioner clinical expertise to patients and their families on an ongoing basis, including management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g., chemotherapy) as defined by standardized procedures or independently based on licensure. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, and operative first assist per approved standardized procedures. Patient management decisions are independent where appropriate after assessment and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other team members. Acts as an expert resource for healthcare providers, including nurses, residents, and ancillary staff. Provides care in a team-based environment to a diversified patient population, participates in patient and staff education, and demonstrates leadership skills and accountability for own practice as defined by the Nurse Practice Act.

Responsibilities

• 90% - Clinical Practice: Manage patient care, including chronic conditions, routine care, acute/critical care, and specialty protocols (e.g., chemotherapy) per standardized procedures or licensure. Perform non-invasive/invasive procedures and surgical first assist as approved.
• 10% - Other Professional Activity: Serve as a resource for healthcare providers, participate in neurosurgical teaching programs, and contribute to patient and staff education.

Requirements

• Valid California Registered Nurse License without restriction.
• California Nurse Practitioner Furnishing License.
• California Certified Nurse Practitioner (NP) without restriction.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certificate within 3 months of hire.
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR certification.
• National NP board certification in aligned specialty with the practice area.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
• Adult Acute Care National Board Certification.
• Master’s degree, DNP, or PhD in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing.
• One year or greater experience as a Nurse Practitioner.
• One year or greater recent clinical experience in Neurosurgery.
• Ability to cope with personal stress experienced by team members, professionals, and caretakers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Judgment skills to effectively meet patient needs.
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function independently.
• Ability to meet hospital credentialing and billing standards as a billable provider.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of Inpatient Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) experience.

Department Overview

The UC Davis Department of Neurological Surgery is home to internationally recognized experts in neurosurgical disorders. Recognized as the top-ranked hospital in the region by U.S. News & World Report, the team provides state-of-the-art care for Northern California (33 counties, 6.5 million lives). The department serves as the referral center for neurosurgical patients, offering treatment for brain tumors, aneurysms, stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, epilepsy, movement disorders, spine disorders, and pediatric neurosurgery. It supports direct patient care, training, graduate medical education, and research programs.

Department-Specific Job Scope

The Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner provides clinical expertise to acutely and critically ill neurosurgery patients and their families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Serves as a resource for healthcare providers and participates in neurosurgical teaching programs.

Pay

$122.27 per hour (Salary Grade: 120).

Schedule

• Percentage of Time: 20% (Per Diem).
• Shift: Variable 10-hour shifts.
• Location: Main Hospital (Sacramento, CA).
• Union Representation: NX-Nurses.
• Benefits Eligible: No.
• 100% on-site position.

Benefits

• High-quality, low-cost medical plans for you and your family.
• UC-paid Dental and Vision insurance premiums.
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, and Paid Holidays.
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program.
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including free mental health services.
• Supplemental insurance (life, disability, pet, legal).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
• Retirement benefit options, including Pension and Retirement Savings Plans.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Walking: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Sitting: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 lbs: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Bending/Stooping: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Twisting: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders): Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Reaching overhead: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Uneven surfaces or elevations: Occasional (up to 3 hours).

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Complex problem-solving/reasoning: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Ability to organize & prioritize: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Communication skills: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Numerical skills: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Constant interaction: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Customer/Patient Contact: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).
• Multiple concurrent tasks: Continuous (6 to 8+ hours).