Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Job Description

Position Title: Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant)

Department: Neurosciences / Neurocritical Care Unit (Neuro ICU)

Reports To: Neurocritical Care Medical Director / Neurointensivist

Position Summary

The Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP) provides comprehensive, high-quality care for critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients in a Neuro ICU setting. Working collaboratively with neurointensivists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, critical care physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary team members, the APP is responsible for patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, procedures, care coordination, and patient/family education. The APP manages complex neurological conditions while ensuring evidence-based care and optimal patient outcomes.

Procedural Responsibilities

May perform procedures within scope of practice and credentialing, including:

• Arterial line placement
• Central venous catheter placement
• Lumbar puncture
• Airway management and intubation
• Management of intracranial pressure monitoring devices
• Assisting with neurosurgical bedside procedures
• Other critical care procedures as approved by the organization.

Patient Population

Manage patients with:

• Acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Status epilepticus
• Brain tumors
• Neurosurgical postoperative patients
• Spinal cord injuries
• Encephalitis and meningitis
• Neuromuscular respiratory failure
• Other life-threatening neurological disorders.

Care Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation services, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and case management.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, prognosis, and discharge planning.
• Facilitate consultations and specialty referrals.
• Participate in goals-of-care discussions and end-of-life planning when appropriate.
• Ensure smooth transitions of care across the continuum.

Documentation & Quality

• Maintain timely, accurate, and complete electronic medical records.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice projects.
• Assist with protocol development and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Support departmental education and research activities when applicable.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.

Licensure & Certification

• Current state licensure as:
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Physician Assistant (PA-C)
• Current DEA registration (if applicable).
• Current BLS and ACLS certification.
• NCC certification preferred but not required.

Experience

• Critical care, neurocritical care, neurology, neurosurgery, or ICU experience preferred.
• Experience managing critically ill adult patients strongly preferred.
• New graduates with relevant ICU RN experience may be considered depending on organizational needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced neurological assessment skills.
• Critical thinking and rapid decision-making in high-acuity situations.
• Knowledge of stroke, neurotrauma, seizure management, and critical care protocols.
• Proficiency in interpreting neuroimaging and diagnostic studies.
• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining physician collaboration.
• Strong commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care.

Work Environment

• Primarily inpatient Neuro ICU setting.
• Rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities as required.
• Exposure to high-acuity neurological and neurosurgical patients in a fast-paced critical care environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist with patient care activities.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergency situations.
• Ability to perform bedside procedures and participate in rapid response events.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our dedication to exceptional patient care.