Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant - Neuroscience ICU

About the role

The Duke Hospital Neuroscience ICU Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) works in an intensive care setting, collaborating with and under the supervision of neuro intensivists.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide and coordinate clinical care for Neuro Critical Care patients in the Neuro ICU under established protocols and supervision.
• Conduct daily rounds with the attending physician to assess, diagnose, plan treatment, and evaluate patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with residents and fellows to develop and monitor treatment plans.
• Perform and/or order the following procedures:
• Patient history and physical exam
• Laboratory, radiology, and diagnostic tests, including interpretation
• Management of acute patient decompensation
• Arsine and central line placement
• Peripheral IV catheter insertion
• Placement and management of NG tubes, G tubes, J tubes, and postpyloric tubes (Cortrak placement)
• Identify changes in patient status and initiate appropriate interventions, including emergency stabilization.
• Conduct preoperative evaluations and postoperative stabilization.
• Analyze clinical practice patterns to enhance efficiency and care quality.
• Communicate patient information with the supervising physician, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers.
• Document all relevant clinical data in patient records, including test results, patient status, and interventions.
• Prescribe medications and necessary medical devices, including Schedule II–V drugs.
• Assess and provide patient/family education, documenting all pre- and post-operative education.
• Serve as a mentor and preceptor for healthcare learners.
• Apply current research and evidence-based practices in clinical decision-making.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research activities.
• Measure and document patient outcomes.
• Provide expertise and resources on Neuro Critical Care conditions, procedures, and interventions.
• Develop and evaluate clinical guidelines, policies, and protocols for the Neuro Critical Care unit.
• Lead programs and projects that align with the goals of Duke University Hospital and Duke Health System.

Job Eligibility Requirements

• Education: Nurse Practitioners: Graduate of accredited MSN or DNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program for adult care. Physician Assistants: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; prefer Master's or Doctoral degree. Both: Critical Care Fellowship training preferred.
• Certification: PA: PA-CNP: Nationally recognized critical care certification for adult care, e.g., ACNP, AGACNP, or CCNP. BLS required.
• Nurse Practitioners: Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. National certification as a NP required. Physician Assistants: Must be licensed in the state of NC and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Both: DEA licensure with full prescriptive authority required.
• Experience: PA: 1 year experience as PA in adult critical care setting OR a one-year Critical Care Fellowship. NP: 3 years RN experience in critical care setting + 1 year NP experience, preferably neuro related. May also consider equivalent combination of required/preferred education and experience.

Job Hours

12- or 24-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The APP team provides 24/7 coverage. Scheduling may be adjusted by leadership based on department needs.