What are the responsibilities and job description for the Critical Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assisant - Neuro ICU position at Duke?
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About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Job Location
Duke University Hospital
Job Summary
The Duke Hospital Neuro ICU Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) provides direct patient care services for critically ill complex (multi-organ) patients in an intensive care setting in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Neuro ICU Teams. The NP/PA performs physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, coordinates the care and discharge of patients, and provides direct patient care services. The NP/PA contributes to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and provides leadership to the organization.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide and coordinate clinical care for Neuro Critical Care patients in the Neuro ICU at Duke Hospital under established protocols and the supervision of a neuro intensivist (on-site or available by phone).
- Conduct daily rounds with the attending physician to assess, diagnose, plan treatment, and evaluate patient outcomes.
- Collaborate with residents and fellows to develop and monitor treatment plans.
- Perform and/or order the following procedures:
- Patient history and physical exam
- Laboratory, radiology, and diagnostic tests, including interpretation
- Management of acute patient decompensation
- Arterial and central line placement
- Peripheral IV catheter insertion
- Placement and management of NG tubes, G tubes, J tubes, and postpyloric tubes (Cortrak placement)
- Identify changes in patient status and initiate appropriate interventions, including emergency stabilization.
- Conduct preoperative evaluations and postoperative stabilization.
- Analyze clinical practice patterns to enhance efficiency and care quality.
- Communicate patient information with the supervising physician, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers.
- Document all relevant clinical data in patient records, including test results, patient status, and interventions.
- Prescribe medications and necessary medical devices, including Schedule II–V drugs.
- Assess and provide patient/family education, documenting all pre- and post-operative education.
- Serve as a mentor and preceptor for healthcare learners.
- Apply current research and evidence-based practices in clinical decision-making.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research activities.
- Measure and document patient outcomes.
- Provide expertise and resources on Neuro Critical Care conditions, procedures, and interventions.
- Develop and evaluate clinical guidelines, policies, and protocols for the Neuro Critical Care unit.
- Lead programs and projects that align with the goals of Duke University Hospital and Duke Health System.
Job Eligibility Requirements
Education
PA: Graduate of ARC accredited Physician Assistant Program, prefer Master’s or Doctoral Degree
NP: Graduate of accredited MSN or DNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program for adult care.
Both: Critical Care Fellowship Training preferred.
License
PA: Current and unrestricted medical license issued by NCMB with authorization to practice as PA
NP: Current and unrestricted RN license issued by or recognized by the NCBON with authorization to practice as NP
Certification
PA: PA-C
NP: Nationally recognized critical care certification for adult care, e.g., ACNP, AGACNP or CCNP
Experience
PA: 1 year experience as PA in an adult critical care setting OR a one year Critical Care Fellowship
NP: 3 years RN experience in critical care setting 1 year NP experience, preferably Neuro related
(may also consider equivalent combinations of required/preferred education and experience)
Job Hours
- FULL TIME, 12- or 24-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- The APP team provides 24/7 coverage.
- Scheduling may be adjusted by leadership based on department needs.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
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Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.