Nurse Practitioner, Neuro Critical Care (40 hrs)

Full-time - Mid Level

Boston, MA

Hospitals

About the position

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Neuro Critical Care at Boston Medical Center is a licensed and credentialed professional responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients within the inpatient Neurocritical Care service, specifically in the ICU. This role involves diagnosing, treating, consulting, and following up on patient care under the supervision of one or more attending physicians. The NP is expected to perform thorough physical examinations and deliver medical treatment while adhering to established collaborative protocols and standards of care. As an expert in the field, the Nurse Practitioner plays a crucial role in the application of the nursing process, overseeing clinical practice, engaging in research, providing consultative services, and managing patient care across the healthcare continuum from acute care through discharge. In this position, the NP will prioritize patient care management efficiently, ensuring cost-effective use of time, human resources, and medical supplies. Responsibilities include ordering and interpreting lab and diagnostic tests, developing appropriate care plans based on assessment findings, and maintaining accurate medical records. The NP will also engage in interdisciplinary communication to ensure comprehensive patient care, evaluate outcomes, and adjust care plans as necessary. Education and counseling of patients and families are integral to the role, promoting health maintenance and prevention strategies. Professional development is a key aspect of this position, where the NP collaborates with physicians to develop and revise guidelines and protocols. The NP is expected to stay informed about relevant legislation affecting healthcare delivery and participate in nursing and hospital committees. Continuous self-assessment of learning needs and maintaining clinical competency is essential. Additionally, the NP will engage in quality assessment and improvement initiatives, utilizing data to enhance patient care and participate in research activities aligned with their expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to patients and families according to established protocols.
• Sets priorities for efficient management of patient care reflecting cost-effective use of resources.
• Performs physical examinations and provides preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines.
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates lab and diagnostic tests to assess patient needs.
• Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on assessment findings.
• Records pertinent patient care findings in the medical record.
• Maintains interdisciplinary communication regarding patient care information.
• Evaluates outcomes of patient care and revises care plans as necessary.
• Incorporates health maintenance and prevention concepts into daily practice through patient education.
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources to assist patients and families.
• Assists in the development and revision of nurse practitioner guidelines and protocols in collaboration with physicians.
• Demonstrates leadership skills in problem-solving and directing personnel in clinical areas.
• Participates in quality assessment/improvement programs and identifies follow-up projects or research studies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in nursing required.
• Completion of an accredited educational program for nurse practitioners required.
• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Massachusetts with expanded role authorization.
• Registered with the ANCC or other accrediting organization for Nurse Practitioners.
• Registered with the State of Massachusetts and DEA for prescription writing privileges.
• Current BLS and ACLS Certification required.
• Prior experience in ICU/critical care setting is required.
• Prior Neurology experience is ideal.
• Expert clinical judgment and self-direction in an expanded role.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Full command of the English language, both verbal and written.
• Ability to apply adult learning principles for effective patient education.
• Strong organizational skills to set priorities and complete assigned work efficiently.
• Effective interpersonal skills for communication with healthcare team members, patients, and families.
• Computer proficiency for accessing, entering, and interpreting data.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a Neurocritical Care setting is preferred.