Job Description
The West Virginia University Health System, the state's largest health system and largest private employer, comprises 18 hospitals throughout the state and bordering states. The system also includes five institutes and provides management services for other local hospitals through affiliate agreements. Whether you are caring for our patients at a critical access hospital, community site, regional or academic medical center, we are all one WVU Health System. Position Summary The Advanced Practice Professional (APP) coordinates and provides comprehensive clinical care for neurosurgery patients. Responsibilities include conducting biological, social, and psychological assessments; coordinating specialty teams; reviewing and directing care plans; performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; managing discharge planning; and educating residents, medical and nursing students. Minimum Qualifications Nurse Practitioner Graduate of a CCNE‑accredited nursing program with a Master’s Degree in Nursing National certification from a recognized APRN Certification Center Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in West Virginia American Heart Association BLS Certification; additional Advanced Life Support training at the discretion of the department Physician Assistant Bachelor's Degree as Physician Assistant or a Master's Degree as Physician Assistant required Graduate of an ARC‑PA approved PA training program required Certification by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants required License or eligibility for licensure by the WV Board of Medicine or WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine American Heart Association BLS Certification; additional Advanced Life Support training at the discretion of the department Preferred Qualifications APRNs seeking privilege as Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) must complete an RNFA certificate program and achieve a passing grade on the RNFA certification exam Master's level degree as Physician Assistant preferred Acute care or neurosurgery experience preferred; new graduates are considered Core Duties and Responsibilities Manages comprehensive and individualized care for neurosurgery patients in inpatient, post‑discharge, and ambulatory settings. Completes daily rounds; consults and performs pre‑procedure evaluations and ongoing ambulatory follow‑up. Completes integrated assessments and orders additional tests or consults as appropriate. Performs and communicates results of diagnostic tests following clinical guidelines and scope of practice. Consults and communicates with clinic and hospital staff regarding abnormal findings. Conducts succinct comprehensive clinical evaluations and documents findings in the medical record. Facilitates patient discharge by coordinating services and tests required for outpatient follow‑up. Develops individualized care plans, including teaching, discharge planning, and necessary referrals. Provides acute and ongoing care of neurosurgery patients in the ambulatory setting. Collects outcome measures as applicable. Demonstrates critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning in clinical decision‑making. Utilizes equipment safely and adheres to scientific principles and standards of care. Employs teaching/learning theory and strategies to educate staff, students, patients, families, and the community. Promotes a learning environment responsive to patient and family preferences. Maintains up‑to‑date knowledge throughout the year. Completes all identified clinical competencies. Serves as a resource for staff caring for neurosurgery patients. Provides educational programs to professional and paraprofessional personnel. Participates in community outreach and literature distribution as appropriate. Documents care plans and evaluations clearly and concisely in the medical record. Collaborates with leaders and staff to improve patient outcomes. Leads changes in neurosurgery practice that positively impact patient outcomes. Works collaboratively with medical and nursing staff for creative problem‑solving. Engages in inter‑disciplinary approaches to patient care, program development, and education. Promotes and practices innovation in expanded roles across inpatient and ambulatory settings. Participates in leadership of committees and task forces. Documents hours and submits billing reports as appropriate. Interprets neurosurgery data from registries and reports to recommend changes. Participates in clinical trials and research stud