(NP) Nurse Practitioner, Neurosurgery - 140507

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.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego Health is recognized as one of the nation's premier academic neurosurgical programs. We provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art neurosurgical care across the full spectrum of neurological disorders and are distinguished by excellence in patient care, education, and research. The department has earned every major subspecialty quality designation in neurosurgery and has established internationally recognized collaborations in engineering, neuroscience, and translational research. As a leading academic medical center, we are dedicated to training the next generation of neurosurgeons & advanced practice providers through innovative educational programs. The department offers rewarding career opportunities in cutting-edge clinical care, academic medicine, research, and operational leadership within an environment that empowers talented individuals to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and the future of neurosurgery.

Under the direction of the Chair of Neurosurgery and APP Supervisor, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) functions as an advanced practice provider within the Department of Neurological Surgery, delivering comprehensive ambulatory care across UC San Diego Health's neurosurgical service. The NP provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with a broad range of neurosurgical conditions (brain tumor, cerebrovascular, movement disorders, general, peripheral nerve, and spine patients) and works collaboratively with attending neurosurgeons, residents, nurses, clinical support staff, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

The NP serves as a critical access point for efficiently triaging patients to determine whether the condition requires surgical intervention by a neurosurgeon or can be managed non-surgically. Primary responsibilities include evaluating and managing patients in the ambulatory clinical setting, conducting new patient consultations, pre & post-operative assessments, and general follow-up visits. The NP obtains comprehensive medical histories and performs physical examinations, developing and implementing treatment plans, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, coordinating perioperative care, providing patient and family education, documenting clinical encounters, coordinating referrals, and facilitating continuity of care across the healthcare continuum. May also provide cross-coverage across UC San Diego Health ambulatory neurosurgery clinics as operational needs require. Additional duties include participating in research and quality assurance studies. Performs 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 Furnishing License Certification.

• National NP board certification in aligned specialty with the practice area.

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

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a licensed Nurse Practitioner in Neurosurgery, Neurology, or Orthopedic Spine Surgery.

• 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.

• Ability to perform 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 in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

• 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.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patient's care and well-being.

• 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 properly 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 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 patients care and well-being and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Skill at providing clear written, verbal, and telephone communication with a wide variety of people.

• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices pertaining to medical and medical socioeconomics.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.

• Demonstrated experience and skill in ventriculoperitoneal/ lumbar peritoneal shunt adjustment. Ommaya and VP-LP shunts tapping.

• 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.

• Two (2+) or more years of experience in Neurosurgery.

• Experience with neurosurgical procedures, including lumbar puncture, placement and removal of intracranial pressure monitoring devices, interrogation, adjustment, and access of ventriculoperitoneal shunts.

• Experience with surgical care.

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

• Familiarity with practicing medicine in an academic setting.

• Experience with Epic EMR.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice. Position may occasionally require the ability to work evenings/nights.

• Work location - All sites within the UCSD Health System, including satellite locations. Must have access to reliable transportation. Primary work location may change, subject to the department's operational needs.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD medical staff privileges and maintain them during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years, gained through school or work experience.

• 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.