Certified NP/PA Neurosurgery SMS-3712

The employee is a member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the evaluation and treatment of neurosurgery patients. Utilizing advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, the employee acts as a clinician, coordinator, consultant, educator, leader and researcher.

I. Service 75%

• A. Provides and coordinates delivery of care for patients seen in the neurosurgery clinic with physicians and other health care professionals.
• B. Assesses, utilizing physical assessment skills, and documents the needs of patients and family members.
• C. Participates in, plans, develops, organizes and evaluates the programs in Neurosurgery for continuity of care.
• D. Develops, implements and reviews medical and nursing protocols relating to neurosurgery patients from referring institutions.
• E. Participates in the interpretation of assessment data in order to determine actual or potential problems.
• F. Assists in the formulation of plan of care with physicians and other health care professionals. Plans, implements and evaluates nursing interventions based on assessed needs.
• G. Facilitates continuity of care through the referral of patients and contacts the referring physicians with both phone contact and follow-up letters.
• H. Acts as a patient and family advocate using the nursing process and problem solving techniques.
• I. Rounds on hospitalized patients in order to assure the transition of patients between hospital, home and outpatient care.
• J. Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
• K. Reports actual or potential risk management situations utilizing the hospital notification system.
• L. Performs minor procedures in the clinic as instructed by the surgeon.

II. Teaching 10%

• A. Provides patient and family education based on assessed need regarding the diagnosis, treatment, protocols and diagnostic testing in the area of neurosurgery
• B. Teaches patients and family members on necessary post-op care.
• C. Develops, reviews, and evaluates a wide range of patient educational material related to the area of health relating to Neurosurgery
• D. Provides and participates in professional educational activities related to neurosurgery patients.

III. Research 10%

• A. Applies a scientific process to advance the service provided to patients.
• B. Participates with the physicians and data manager in the enrollment and maintenance of patients on designated research protocols related to health and prevention.
• C. Through appropriate committees, initiates and participates in nursing and interdisciplinary research.
• D. Participates with nursing and other colleagues in the publication of approved research findings.

IV. Consultant/Change Agent

• A. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities to function as a change agent by recommending and introducing practice innovations.
• B. Applies the total quality management process to plan and implement change.
• C. Utilizes advanced knowledge to act as a consultant to nurses and other members of the health care team regarding complex patient related problems.
• D. Provides telephone consultation to potential clients and health care professionals regarding current neurosurgical health protocols.

V. Administration 5%

• A. Initiates and participates in the development of standards and policies regarding patient care through participation on appropriate committees.
• B. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, establishes a strategic direction for the Division of
• C. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional status.
• D. Promotes positive interpersonal relationships and demonstrates effective communication methods

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program
2. Received a passing score on the national certifying exam
3. Licensure or eligible for licensure in the State of Illinois
4. Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations