(NP) Neurocritical Care Adv. Nurse Practitioner - 140453

UC San Diego Health is proud to be a four-time Magnet-designated organization and has now earned Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is the gold standard for nursing excellence, achieved by only about 10% of hospitals worldwide. Magnet with Distinction is awarded to the highest-performing Magnet organizations, with only a select few earning this prestigious honor. This recognition reflects our commitment to transformational leadership, professional nursing excellence, innovation, exceptional patient outcomes, and an empowering practice environment where nurses thrive.

UCSD Medical Center Hillcrest and JMC are the only medical centers in San Diego County with a designated Neurocritical Care Unit and primary Neurocritical Care Service staffed by board-certified neurointensivists. The NCCU is a collaboration with the departments of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology.

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Neurocritical Care Service and designated physician team members, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) will serve as a vital member of the Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) inpatient team. This role involves providing direct patient care, supporting the management of a diverse population of critically ill patients, and participating in consultations for patients in the Emergency Department as well as other inpatient services.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver high-level, evidence-based neurocritical care in collaboration with clinical faculty, residents, nurses, and other NCCU advanced practice providers.

Independently manage the care of critically ill patients, including those with stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, neurological emergencies, post-operative neurosurgery, and neuroendovascular conditions, both in the NCCU and the Emergency Department.

Perform procedures such as central and arterial line placements.

Serve as a liaison between patients' families, counselors, social workers, research staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

Assist in the orientation, training, and ongoing education of residents, fellows, NP students, and other clinical staff.

Support the development and implementation of clinical protocols, policies, and procedures for the management of critically ill patients.

Participate in program development initiatives, staff education, and scientific research efforts within the Neurocritical Care Service.

Perform 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 California NP Furnishing License Certification.

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

• BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Minimum of two (2) years recent work RN or NP experience in neuro ICU. If only RN experience, candidate also needs a minimum of one (1) year critical care NP experience.

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

• Proven ability to perform initial history and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Proven ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner using online medical systems such as EPIC.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful and accurate manner.

• Demonstrated skills to operate appropriate medical equipment, i.e., Swan-Ganz catheters, central venous pressure monitors, electrocardiograph machines, cardiac defibrillator, transducer systems, digital read-out equipment, and medical computer systems. Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Knowledge to instruct housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Demonstrated experience to assess the daily status and progress of patients, and accurately report findings to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

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

• Excellent time and project management skills. Proven ability to serve a large volume of patients rapidly and effectively on a walk-in or appointment basis within set time limits.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, including that associated with central nervous system and spine to medically manage critically ill complex stroke, intracerebral/subarachnoid hemmorrhage, neurological and post-op surgery, and neuroendovascular patients.

• Demonstrated experience to write accurate orders regarding execution of inpatient or outpatient plans of treatment.

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

• Excellent communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and follow strict HIPAA guidelines.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility. Ability to work independently and/or in a team framework, and in an environment that interacts with a diverse population of patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.

• Working knowledge of operating room standards and techniques, and of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.

• Demonstrated fluency in oral and written communications in both English and Spanish.

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

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• 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.
• 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.