We are recruiting a large complement of at least 4 dedicated spine neurosurgery APPs to support a rapidly growing neurosurgery practice. These APPs will practice along the continuum of care to support patients with spinal pathology. They will round/manage an inpatient service, assist in the OR and support multiple clinics all at NCH. The growing program will have resources including complex pain management, neuro-ICU, dedicated neuro OR team and more. They currently cover cranial and spine first call 24/7 and rotate weekends/holidays – with possibility of dedicated spine call only in the future.

As a part of a growing, multidisciplinary Neurosciences team, the Advanced Practice Provider (APP – Physician Assistant/PA or Nurse Practitioner/NP) will collaborate with physicians and other APPs to direct medical care. The APP will serve as a specialty area expert and consultant to staff, patients, families, and operational team in various clinical specialties, including cranial neurosurgery, spinal neurosurgery, endovascular neurosurgery, head and neck/otolaryngology surgery, neurooncology and neuro critical care. Functions as an APP within their specialty area, as well as educator, consultant and researcher for patients, families and staff.

Performs the following APP functions within specialty area:

• Surgery Specialties (Cranial and Spine Neurosurgery, Endovascular Neurosurgery, Head & Neck/Otolaryngology Surgery)
  • Routine diagnostic, therapeutic and invasive surgical procedures (where clinically relevant)
  • Prepares and records patient history and physical examinations. Assists with pre-admission testing for assigned surgical specialty service patients and explain procedures to patients
  • Develop inpatient and outpatient care. Participate in post-procedure follow up and write orders for appropriate medical care
  • Acts as first or second assist in operating room
  • Serve as expert clinician and patient advocate within specialty. Provide direct patient care to include comprehensive clinical assessment, diagnosing, planning, and treatment with both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods
  • Collaborate with physicians and healthcare team to provide optimal patient care
• Neuro Critical Care
  • Performs relevant bedside procedures for stabilization and optimization of patients within neuro critical care unit
  • Routine diagnostic and therapeutic measures for inpatient critical care management of Neurosciences patients to achieve optimal patient outcomes with strong collaboration with physicians and healthcare team
  • Prepares and records patient history and physical examinations, and develop care plans to guide critical care stabilization and management
  • Serve as expert clinician and patient advocate within specialty
• Demonstrates expertise in performing designated privileges per supervisory agreement with physician(s) and as defined by Northwest Community Hospital.
• Identifies expected outcomes from assessment data and diagnosis and individualizes expected outcomes with the client and health care team when appropriate. Develops a comprehensive plan of care that includes interventions and treatments. Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies as appropriate.
• Provides comprehensive clinical coordination of care resulting in integration of health care that is accessible, high quality and cost effective. Assists in developing and updating critical pathways. Develops strategies to minimize or resolve variances. Collaborates with health care team to redesign processes to optimize quality and financial outcomes. Explores strategies to reduce length of stay and resource consumption. Assists with discharge planning by identifying potential patient discharge needs during hospitalization.
• Consults with staff in assessing, defining interventions and problem solving on complex patient care cases. Provides consultation, direction and support to staff, patient and family in addressing ethical and legal concerns. Consults to enhance the abilities of others and effect change in the system.
• Demonstrates evidence-based practice. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards of practice in specialty area with multidisciplinary team. Provides staff education as indicated.
• Assesses learning needs of patients and families across the continuum. Employs strategies, interventions and teaching to promote, maintain and improve health and prevent illness and injury.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of service line goals. Supports strategic plan of the organization.
• Adheres to all Northwest Community Healthcare policies and procedures.
   

For Physician Assistants:

• The completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Minimum 1-year recent acute care experience in a hospital setting preferred.
• Current Illinois Physician Assistant license.
• Current certification by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
• Prescriptive authority and controlled substance licensure as needed.
• Successfully completes hospital Physician Assistant credentialing process.
• Possesses critical thinking skills necessary to perform physical assessment of patients, initiate appropriate clinical interventions and evaluate patient response.
• Has interpersonal skills necessary to relate effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, and leadership and organizational skills necessary to participate in program improvement teams/projects and educational program development skills.
   

For Nurse Practitioners:

• The completion of a Master’s Degree in Nursing.
• Certified as a Nurse Practitioner.
• Demonstrated expertise with a minimum of three years of nursing clinical experience in the area of specialty.
• Current Illinois nursing license. Advance Practice Nursing license.
• State controlled substance license and DEA license if defined in privileging agreement.
• The critical thinking skills necessary to perform physical assessment of patients, initiate appropriate clinical interventions and evaluate patient response.
• The interpersonal skills necessary to relate effectively with various levels of hospital personnel.
• The leadership and organizational skills necessary to participate in program improvement teams/projects and educational program development skills.
   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Light physical effort is required. May require frequent periods of standing and walking. May require frequent lifting of lightweight material, or rarely lifting or moving of heavy weight material.
• Flow of work and character of duties requires concentrated mental/visual attention most of the time; or concentrated visual and mental attention with manual dexterity for sustained periods of time.
   

What you will need:Benefits:

• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options, including Domestic Partner Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking at designated locations
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities