As a clinical expert and patient advocate, the NP will provide education to nurses and participate in outreach to both clinicians and patients.

Upon completion of orientation, the NP will practice more independently at one or more of our Atlantic Neuroscience Institute satellite clinics to provide greater access to our patients.

General Description of Role:

The Neuroscience Nurse Practitioner, (NP), is a member of the neuroscience care team and has primary responsibility for the management of patients with neurological conditions within the neuroscience inpatient, outpatient, and intermediate care settings. The NP practice model promotes cross-disciplinary quality patient care, educational development, and leadership /consultancy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Practice

1. Use expert knowledge, skills and clinical judgment to identify potential/actual diagnoses and appropriate interventions for the neuroscience population
2. Formulate a treatment plan based on clinical findings, interpretation of laboratory results, diagnostic procedures and patient/family involvement.
3. Make appropriate referrals to other healthcare disciplines and community agencies, as needed
4. Determine the effectiveness of the treatment plan and reassess and/or modify to achieve optimal health maintenance goals
5. Advocate and promote patient autonomy through all clinical actions and decisions. Whenever possible, involve patient and/or designee in clinical decision making

Education

1. Partner with nurse educator when assessing educational needs of the clinical staff. Collaborating with the educator to provide ongoing educational programs for the healthcare team. This includes developing unit based educational programs, corporate sponsored conferences and referrals for educational programs outside the institution
2. Create opportunities and provides oversight for precepting new NP's
3. Role model clinical practice that reflects communication, mutual respect, leadership and critical thinking for nursing staff
4. Act as clinical resource for department of nursing in educational programs/committee structures and unit-based needs related to Neuroscience nursing
5. Support accreditation, compliance and regulatory activities within the organization. Maintains responsibility / records for all regulatory requirements concerning education for nursing staff

Consultation and Leadership

1. Serve as clinical expert and leadership consultant to nursing, members of the healthcare team and community at large
2. Collaborate with nursing manager to evaluate supplies and capital purchases
3. Promote recruitment and retention by providing guidance, support and professional development of staff
4. Assists with the implementation of policies and procedures. Develop clinical policies and procedures, when indicated. Responsible for ongoing review of unit-based policies annually
5. Participate in hospital-based committee functions as determined by nursing manager and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)