(NP) Nurse Practitioner - Neurosurgery - 137912

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas, which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

Under the general supervision of the APP Supervisor for the Department of Neurological Surgery, the Nurse Practitioner provides patient care in Neurosurgery. The NP utilizes operational knowledge and expertise to provide primary and/or specialized health care services to patients with brain tumors, cerebrovascular conditions, general conditions, peripheral nerve conditions, and neurospine conditions. Evaluates healthcare treatments for surgery patients, coordinating with established surgical services. Participates in ongoing research and quality assurance studies. Functions as liaison to physicians, mid-levels, physical and occupational therapists. Position requires special knowledge, skills, and abilities in the fields of neurosurgery and wound care. Performs other duties as assigned.

Duties include previewing clinics to ensure appropriate preliminary imaging is completed/obtained for each scheduled patient (30-50 patients/wk per APP), responding to patient calls and In-Basket items, conducting peer to peers to obtain authorization, and also covering In-Basket and clinics for fellow APPs when out of office to maintain overall clinical operations. Additionally, the NP will author encounter notes, perform patient history and physical examinations, develop care plans, submit orders as appropriate, and prepare an after-visit summary (AVS).

The NP will support a minimum of two faculty, primarily at the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion (MOP), Via Tazon (VTC), and our Koman Outpatient Pavilion (KOP) practice locations; however, they may need to cover other sites to maintain departmental operational efficiency, as determined by the APP Supervisor.

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

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

• National NP board certification in aligned specialty with the practice area. (FNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, or ACNP).

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

• 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, identify major medical problems, and formulate 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 appropriately 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 wholly and accurately.

• 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.

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

* Work location - All sites within the UCSD Health System, including satellite locations. Must have access to reliable transportation.

* Position may require on-call, overnight, evening, and weekend hours.

* Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice.

* May require occasional evening and weekend hours beyond the normal workday.

* Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

* Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.

• 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.