Job Overview

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (COM) has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improves the health and clinical care of patients. In partnership with the UC Health academic healthcare system and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, College of Medicine’s faculty and providers are transforming the world of medicine every day. The Department of Neurosurgery is a top-tier department with world-renowned faculty and staff. With world-class research, teaching and medical practice opportunities, why not choose the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine?

The University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery is driving the direction of how our field is practiced. As an internationally recognized program, University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery is where patients and other clinicians turn to for care of complex neurosurgical issues. We are an academic leader and resource for the region because we don't just treat patients, we are developing better ways to do so.

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant to work as part of the Neurotrauma team. The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will play a critical role in the management and care of patients with neurotrauma conditions, working collaboratively with neurosurgeons, medical staff, and multidisciplinary teams across multiple care settings. Primary responsibilities involve direct patient care, including evaluation and treatment of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. APP responsibilities include, but not limited to, (a) obtaining comprehensive history and physicals, (b) coordinating, reviewing, and following up on diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and procedures, and (c) prescribing medications. The APP will also help to ensure continuity of patient care by coordinating communication among inpatient, OR, and outpatient Neurosurgery teams, and assisting in patient education and family updates. The APP will also participate service-related QI/PI projects, education of learners (residents, fellows, students and new employees), and cross-departmental knowledge sharing and skills training. The applicant must demonstrate excellent communication skills with an ability to make independent decisions in the management of complex neurosurgical patients. 

Essential Functions

• Work collaboratively with neurosurgery physicians and providing comprehensive care to patients.
• Perform appropriate history and physical for complex, acute, critical, and chronically ill patients. 
• Order and interpret diagnostic and therapeutic tests. 
• Prescribe appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities.
• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions. 
• Maintain accurate medical records.  
• Collaborate with other providers and members of the health care team in delivery of care and make appropriate referrals when needed. 
• Educate patients and families about medical conditions and treatment plans. 
• Facilitate staff, patient, and family decision making using evidence-based practice.
• Participate in research and development projects. 
• Participate in education of nurse practitioners, nurse practitioner students and medical students.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Minimum Requirements

Nurse Practitioner:

• Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
• Three (3) years nursing experience; additional related work experience may be required depending on specialty/sub-specialty.
• Active Ohio APRN license with prescriptive authority.  
• Active Board Certification in appropriate nursing specialty.  

- OR - 

Physician Assistant:

• Master's Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program.  
• Minimum of one (1) year experience is required; additional related work experience may be required depending on specialty/sub-specialty.  
• Active Ohio Physician Assistant license with prescriptive authority.  
• Certification as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment