Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Neurosurgical Oncology Brain Tumor, Full-time, Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant to work in our outpatient Neurosurgical Oncology Brain Tumor Clinic. Northwestern Neurosurgery is an academic neurosurgery practice with 16 surgeons and 19 Advanced Practice Providers across multiple sub-specialties. This role will focus primarily on the brain tumor patient population in the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute but will also participate in a spine clinic with the surgeon once a month. The Advanced Practice Provider will work in the ambulatory setting alongside one RN to support one neurosurgeon while also maintaining an independent practice. While managing an independent clinic, other job duties include preparing surgeons' clinic, triage of all clinical messages from patients and overseeing care coordination in addition to attending tumor board and other academic activities. 

There will not be any opportunity for first assist in the OR.

Schedule: M-F, days; no nights/weekends/holidays/on-call

The position is scheduled for five 8-hour shifts per week. After completing orientation and becoming fully onboarded (typically within one year), there will be an opportunity to transition to a four 10-hour shift schedule, based on operational needs and leadership approval.  

Essential Functions: 

• Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
• Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
• Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
• Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families, and staff in areas of expertise.
• Mentors and precepts graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
• Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
• Provides direct clinical care to patients.
• Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, imaging, and procedures according to clinical privileges.
• Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
• Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
• Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
• Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
• Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
• Integrates research-based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
• Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
• Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First".
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
• Participates in weekly patient care conferences.
• Hosts and participates in support groups for the brain tumor patient population.
• Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
• Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
• Serves as a role model and preceptor to students and staff.
• Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
• Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate. 
• Strong presence in any fund-raising or philanthropic events related to the Brain Tumor Institute.

Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program  
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.  Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number.
• Privileged and credentialed through the NMH Medical Staff Office (MSO).
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation – BLS, issued by the American Heart Association.
• Minimum of two (2) years of APP experience is required 

Preferred:

• Acute, family, or adult certification for APRNs.
• Neurosciences and/or acute care such as ICU.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.