(NP) Nurse Practitioner- Per Diem- IP Neurosurgery - 140888

The Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego is among the leading neurosurgical centers in the country. The Department provides the full range of a contemporary neurosurgical practice, holds every major sub-specialty quality designation within the field, has developed world-class collaborative research relationships with engineering and neurosciences, and is a leading educational program in neurosurgery for medical students and residents. The department offers rewarding career opportunities in the diverse areas of state-of-the-art clinical services, advanced educational programs, and cutting-edge research. The Department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

Under the direction of the Chair of Neurosurgery and APP Supervisor, the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions as an advanced practice provider within the Department of Neurological Surgery, delivering comprehensive inpatient care across UC San Diego Health's neurosurgical service. The NP provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with complex neurosurgical conditions and works collaboratively with attending neurosurgeons, residents, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Primary responsibilities include evaluating and managing neurosurgical patients across a variety of inpatient settings, including the intensive care unit (ICU), intermediate care unit (IMU), medical-surgical units, emergency department consultations, and the operating room. The NP performs comprehensive patient assessments, develops and implements treatment plans, orders and interprets diagnostic studies, performs procedures within scope of practice, documents clinical encounters, coordinates transitions of care, and facilitates patient discharges. May also provide cross-coverage across UC San Diego Health's neurosurgical inpatient services and, as operational needs require, support ambulatory clinical services.

Working under the supervision of assigned neurosurgical faculty and in accordance with established protocols, applicable laws, and institutional policies, the NP performs advanced clinical duties traditionally delegated to physicians while exercising a high degree of clinical judgment, autonomy, and accountability. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be a graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program.

• California Registered Nurse (RN) license, California Nurse Practitioner (NP) license, and Furnishing License Certification.

• Current Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification (AGACNP or ACNP).

• BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six months of hire date.

• A Minimum of two (2) years of work experience as a licensed Nurse Practitioner. Experience must include inpatient, acute care neurosurgical or surgical experience.

• Theoretical background in: anatomy, physiology, general medicine, pulmonary, emergency and critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, therapeutics including pharmacology, counseling techniques and interpersonal dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful manner.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner.

• Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.

• Strong writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures and protocols for patient care management.

• Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology.

• Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations.

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care personnel.

• Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in-charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Ability to write orders regarding the execution of patient plans of treatment.

• Ability to assess the status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patient's care and well-being, and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Demonstrated experience and skill in Lumbar puncture, intrathecal chemotherapy, and ventriculoperitoneal/ lumbar peritoneal shunt adjustment. Ommaya and VP-LP shunts tapping.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility, in order to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices pertaining to medical and medical socioeconomics.

• Two (2) years of experience in Neurosurgery.

• Knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.

• Experience with neurosurgical procedures, including lumbar puncture, placement and removal of intracranial pressure monitoring devices, interrogation, adjustment, and access of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

• Experience in inpatient surgical care.

• Experience with Epic EMR.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience

• Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice. Position may require ability to work evenings/nights.

• Work location - Jacobs Medical Center & Hillcrest Medical Center, with the ability to provide cross-coverage at other UC San Diego Health locations, including Palomar Medical Center, East Campus Medical Center, and ambulatory clinics, as operational needs require.

• Current UCSD NPIII employees may be hired at the NPIII level pending review and approval by Health Human Resources and the UCSD Advanced Practice Council.