Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Neurocritical Care - Advance Practice Nurses

Job Description

Position Title: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) – Neurocritical Care

Department: Clinical Neuroscience Institute (CNSI)

Reports To: Collaborating Physician(s) and APP Manager

Summary

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) in Neurocritical Care provides advanced, evidence-based care for critically ill patients with complex neurological and neurosurgical conditions. In collaboration with attending physicians, residents, and the inter-professional care team, the ACNP delivers comprehensive care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuous management in the intensive care setting. The ACNP plays a vital role in patient stabilization, critical decision-making, and family support during high-acuity situations.

Nature and Scope

·Applies advanced knowledge of acute care medicine and neuroscience to critically ill patients.

·Skilled in evaluating unstable conditions, interpreting diagnostic data, and initiating life-sustaining interventions.

·Proficient in performing advanced procedures such as arterial line placement, central venous catheterization, and interpretation of ICP monitoring devices.

·Maintains quality assurance standards while responding effectively in emergent and rapidly changing clinical situations.

·Demonstrates strong communication skills with patients, families, and the healthcare team, particularly in high-stress environments.

Position Summary

The ACNP functions as a clinician, educator, consultant, and collaborator in the delivery of neurocritical care. The role requires in-depth knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, critical care management, and evidence-based guidelines. The ACNP is expected to:

• Manage patients with acute stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, post-operative neurosurgical conditions, and other neurological emergencies.
• Partner with physicians to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide ongoing assessment and timely interventions in the critical care environment.
• Support patients and families through education, communication, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

·Perform comprehensive histories and physical exams on critically ill patients.

·Order, interpret, and act on diagnostic tests including CT, MRI, EEG, and laboratory studies.

·Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising physician(s).

·Manage ventilators, hemodynamic monitoring, and interpret intracranial pressure devices.

·Prescribe medications, therapies, and interventions in accordance with licensure and collaborative agreement.

·Perform and assist in invasive bedside procedures (e.g., central lines, arterial lines, and intubations when appropriate).

·Respond to emergencies, including codes, rapid responses, and acute neurological deteriorations.

·Provide education and guidance to patients, families, and inter-professional staff.

·Document all care provided in the electronic medical record.

·Participate in research, quality improvement projects, and protocol development within the Neurocritical Care service.

·Uphold HIPAA standards and ethical guidelines in all patient interactions.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program

• Completion of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program required

Licensure / Certification / Registration

·Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Ohio

·Valid license to practice as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the State of Ohio

·Current AHA BLS and ACLS certification required at the time of hire

·National certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC or equivalent)

·Certificate to Prescribe must be current and maintained at all times

·PHP Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) required prior to engaging in practice

Experience

• Two (2) to three (3) years of acute/critical care nursing experience preferred

• Prior critical care, neurocritical care, or neurosurgical ICU experience preferred

Knowledge / Skills

·Advanced understanding of neurological and neurosurgical critical care

·Proficiency in advanced diagnostic interpretation and invasive monitoring

·Excellent clinical judgment and ability to manage high-acuity patients

·Strong organizational, multitasking, and critical thinking skills

·Effective communication and teamwork skills in high-pressure environments

·Computer literacy including Excel, Word, Outlook; EMR experience required

Population Served

Defined by the ACNP’s scope of licensure and certification. The ACNP provides neurocritical care services to patients with acute and life-threatening neurological or neurosurgical conditions, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care.