Job Description

Position Title:             Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) – Neurocritical Care

Department:                Clinical Neuroscience Institute (CNSI)

Reports To:                 Collaborating Physician(s) and APP Manager

Summary

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) in Neurocritical Care provides advanced, evidence-based care for critically ill patients with complex neurological and neurosurgical conditions. In collaboration with attending physicians, residents, and the inter-professional care team, the ACNP delivers comprehensive care that includes patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuous management in the intensive care setting. The ACNP plays a vital role in patient stabilization, critical decision-making, and family support during high-acuity situations.

Nature and Scope

·       Applies advanced knowledge of acute care medicine and neuroscience to critically ill patients.

·       Skilled in evaluating unstable conditions, interpreting diagnostic data, and initiating life-sustaining interventions.

·       Proficient in performing advanced procedures such as arterial line placement, central venous catheterization, and interpretation of ICP monitoring devices.

·       Maintains quality assurance standards while responding effectively in emergent and rapidly changing clinical situations.

·       Demonstrates strong communication skills with patients, families, and the healthcare team, particularly in high-stress environments.

Position Summary

The ACNP functions as a clinician, educator, consultant, and collaborator in the delivery of neurocritical care. The role requires in-depth knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, critical care management, and evidence-based guidelines. The ACNP is expected to:

• Manage patients with acute stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, post-operative neurosurgical conditions, and other neurological emergencies.
• Partner with physicians to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Provide ongoing assessment and timely interventions in the critical care environment.
• Support patients and families through education, communication, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

·       Perform comprehensive histories and physical exams on critically ill patients.

·       Order, interpret, and act on diagnostic tests including CT, MRI, EEG, and laboratory studies.

·       Develop, implement, and evaluate treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising physician(s).

·       Manage ventilators, hemodynamic monitoring, and interpret intracranial pressure devices.

·       Prescribe medications, therapies, and interventions in accordance with licensure and collaborative agreement.

·       Perform and assist in invasive bedside procedures (e.g., central lines, arterial lines, and intubations when appropriate).

·       Respond to emergencies, including codes, rapid responses, and acute neurological deteriorations.

·       Provide education and guidance to patients, families, and inter-professional staff.

·       Document all care provided in the electronic medical record.

·       Participate in research, quality improvement projects, and protocol development within the Neurocritical Care service.

·       Uphold HIPAA standards and ethical guidelines in all patient interactions.