Nurse Practitioner, Neurosurgery
About the Role
Assesses, diagnoses, plans, and implements the medical care of neurosurgical patients in collaboration with a physician. Functions within the full scope of licensure; accountable for the assessment, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of nursing care, including direct patient care, patient/family education, and transitions of care. Delivers holistic and individualized care to all patients in the assigned area.
Develops, implements, and manages an optimal interdisciplinary plan of care that incorporates psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, economic, and lifestyle factors. Fosters and maintains collaborative relationships between patients, their family/support group, physicians, and other healthcare providers through timely and effective communications. Adheres to entity policies, industry standards, best practices, and applicable laws/regulations to promote a quality, highly reliable patient experience. Engages in continuous growth and development in professional advanced nursing practice.
Responsibilities
- Advanced Nurse Practice:
- Manages the medical care for patients utilizing clinical protocols in collaboration with physicians.
- Performs physical exams if indicated.
- Ensures individualized health maintenance status, including vaccinations, risk factor screenings, mental status baselines, dental screenings, and other functional assessments.
- Conducts diagnostic examinations and updates detailed medical histories.
- Consults with supervising physician regarding abnormal examination or test findings and when implementing clinical protocols.
- Performs standardized procedures without direct physician observation, supervision, or approval.
- May facilitate care to a community practitioner upon discharge.
- Assessment and Planning of Patient Care:
- Conducts patient and family assessments encompassing physiological, spiritual, and emotional areas.
- Collaborates with physicians and healthcare team members to interpret, adjust, and coordinate patient care plans for continuity and patient-centric care.
- Partners with peers, providers, and management to improve patient outcomes and care quality.
- Communicates patients’ plan of care to co-workers and other departments.
- May facilitate transfer to a community practitioner.
- Provision of Patient Care:
- Provides competent, compassionate, and cost-effective patient care in accordance with unit, department, and hospital policies, as well as evidence-based nursing practice.
- Maintains a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients and families.
- Delegates tasks appropriately based on legal scopes of practice, licensure, education, and individual capability.
- Communicates treatments and activities clearly to patients and families, using teach-back methods to ensure understanding.
- Delivers safe and effective patient care in compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Upholds patient confidentiality and protects protected health information (PHI).
- Remains current with advancements, trends, and best practices in acute care and specialty areas.
- Participates in process improvement activities.
- Evaluation of Patient Care:
- Monitors patient care interventions, assesses therapies, and evaluates outcomes.
- Conducts ongoing education for patients and families to ensure optimal care from admission through transitions.
- Reassesses, evaluates, and documents patient responses to the plan of care and adjusts as needed.
- Reports safety or compliance concerns via the patient safety reporting mechanism.
- Participates in the analysis of safety events to prevent future occurrences.
- Accurately documents all treatment information in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Develops, implements, and documents formal teaching and transition planning involving the patient and family.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- Master’s degree in Nursing.
Qualifications
- Certification & Licensure:
- California Nurse Practitioner (NP-California) by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Nurse Practitioner Furnishing (NP-F).
- California Registered Nurse (RN-California).
- National Certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): ACNP or AG-ACNP preferred.
- Controlled Substance Registered Certification (DEA) (not required for non-patient care positions).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider Certification.
- Department-Specific Certifications:
- SMCS-Sutter Child Center Outpatient Services: Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP).
- Hospital-Based (except NICU): Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
- Family Birthing Center: Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP).
- Trauma and Acute Care Surgery: Emergency Neurological Life Support (ENLS).
- Experience: 2 years of recent relevant experience. Acute care of neurosurgical and neuro trauma patients preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrated knowledge of advanced nursing theories, concepts, and practices; medical terminology; anatomy; and physiology.
- Working knowledge of the healthcare industry, safety precautions, best practices, and regulatory changes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain sensitive information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Basic knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Electronic Health Records (EHR).
- Ability to prioritize, delegate, and work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Problem-solving skills to evaluate and resolve standard issues using established solutions.
- Commitment to protecting patient privacy and building collaborative relationships with peers and providers.
Schedule
- Full-time, days.
- Variable days of the week, including rotating weekends.
- 40 hours per week.
Pay
Annual salary range: $186,700.80 to $261,372.80. The compensation range may vary based on geographic location, experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs.
Benefits
Eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package.