Advanced Practice Provider - Neuro ICU

Neuro ICU Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

Good Samaritan University Hospital – West Islip, NY
(Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant)

FT – varied shifts (am and pm combined shifts)

Position Summary

The Neuro ICU Advanced Practice Provider (APP) delivers comprehensive, high-acuity care to patients with complex neurological and neurosurgical conditions at Good Samaritan University Hospital, an academic tertiary-care center within Catholic Health. The APP works collaboratively with intensivists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and critical care RNs to manage critically ill patients, perform advanced procedures, and optimize outcomes in a fast-paced Neuro ICU.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Management

• Perform comprehensive neurologic and critical care assessments on Neuro ICU patients, including acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, status epilepticus, brain tumors, spinal cord injury, and complex post-operative neurosurgical patients.
• Formulate and implement evidence-based medical management plans in collaboration with attending physicians.
• Interpret diagnostic studies including CT, MRI, EEG, continuous neuromonitoring, and lab results.
• Manage advanced neuromonitoring devices such as:
• • Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors
  • External ventricular drains (EVDs)
  • Licox and cerebral perfusion monitoring systems
• Initiate and titrate critical care infusions (vasoactive, sedation, hyperosmolar therapies, anticonvulsants).
• Respond to emergencies including code strokes, rapid response activations, seizures, airway compromise, and acute neurologic deterioration.

Procedures (Depending on training & privileges)

• Central venous catheter placement
• Arterial line insertion
• Lumbar puncture
• Ventilator management and airway stabilization
• Bedside ultrasound for procedural guidance
• Removal of EVDs or drains per neurosurgical protocols (if credentialed)

Communication & Collaboration

• Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds with neurosurgery, neurology, neurointensivists, nursing, respiratory therapy, rehab services, pharmacy, and case management.
• Communicate clinical plans clearly to patients and families; provide education and support regarding neurological diagnoses.
• Serve as a clinical resource to nursing staff and contribute to ongoing improvement of Neuro ICU protocols.

Quality, Safety & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Follow all hospital guidelines for patient safety, infection prevention, and critical care standards.
• Participate in Neuro ICU quality initiatives including stroke metrics, morbidity/mortality reviews, CLABSI and CAUTI reduction, and evidence-based neurocritical care pathways.

Professional Development

• Participate in continuing education specific to neurocritical care.
• Maintain required certifications and hospital competencies.
• Engage in research, performance improvement projects, or academic collaboration as appropriate.

Qualifications

Required

• Current NYS license as Nurse Practitioner (FNP/AGACNP preferred) or Physician Assistant
• Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited NP or PA program
• National board certification (AANP/ANCC for NP; NCCPA for PA)
• BLS and ACLS certification
• At least 1–2 years of critical care, neurology, neurosurgery, or ICU-related experience (new graduates with strong ICU RN background may be considered)

Preferred

• ACNP or AGACNP certification for NPs
• Neuro ICU or neurosurgical APP experience
• Experience with EVD/ICP monitoring and neurocritical care protocols
• CCRN, CNRN, or NCCPA specialty certifications
• NIH Stroke Scale certification

Core Competencies

• Advanced neurological assessment skills
• Strong critical thinking and autonomous decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple high-acuity patients in a dynamic ICU setting
• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Compassionate, patient-centered care philosophy
• Willingness to work in a 24/7 service with rotating shifts

Work Environment

• High-acuity Neuro ICU with 24/7 coverage
• Shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Exposure to emergency situations requiring rapid intervention
• Fast-paced, team-based clinical setting with opportunities for growth and specialization