Nurse Practitioner - Neuroscience ICU

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Advanced Practice Highlights:

• The nation’s first Physician Assistant Program was created at Duke in 1965 and is consistently ranked No. 1 in the country.


• The Duke School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools and their MSN and DNP programs offers eight advanced practice registered nurse majors and specialty certifications, as well as post master’s certificates and certification alignment programs.


• Commitment to ongoing learning for APPs through annual CME funding and access to high-quality Duke CME offerings including APP Grand Rounds and a professional advancement program.  APPs are leaders in multiple arenas within Duke.


• Duke offers APPs opportunities to practice within team based integrative care in a tremendous variety of specialties.  APPs are expected to work to top of scope in order to contribute to Duke’s missions which include clinical practice, education, and research.


• Practice locations can include Duke Health’s four hospitals or over 140 primary care and specialty care clinics throughout North Carolina.

Job Location     

Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC

Job Summary

The Duke Hospital Neuroscience ICU Advanced Practice Provider (Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant) provides direct patient care services for critically ill complex (multi-organ) patients in an intensive care setting in collaboration with and under the supervision of the Neuro ICU Teams.   The NP/PA performs physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, coordinates the care and discharge of patients, and provides direct patient care services.  The NP/PA contributes to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and provides leadership to the organization.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide and coordinate clinical care for Neuro Critical Care patients in the Neuro ICU at Duke Hospital under established protocols and the supervision of a neuro intensivist (on-site or available by phone).


• Conduct daily rounds with the attending physician to assess, diagnose, plan treatment, and evaluate patient outcomes.


• Collaborate with residents and fellows to develop and monitor treatment plans.


• Perform and/or order the following procedures:

• Patient history and physical exam


• Laboratory, radiology, and diagnostic tests, including interpretation


• Management of acute patient decompensation


• Arterial and central line placement


• Peripheral IV catheter insertion


• Placement and management of NG tubes, G tubes, J tubes, and postpyloric tubes (Cortrak placement)

• Identify changes in patient status and initiate appropriate interventions, including emergency stabilization.


• Conduct preoperative evaluations and postoperative stabilization.


• Analyze clinical practice patterns to enhance efficiency and care quality.


• Communicate patient information with the supervising physician, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers.


• Document all relevant clinical data in patient records, including test results, patient status, and interventions.


• Prescribe medications and necessary medical devices, including Schedule II–V drugs.


• Assess and provide patient/family education, documenting all pre- and post-operative education.


• Serve as a mentor and preceptor for healthcare learners.


• Apply current research and evidence-based practices in clinical decision-making.


• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and research activities.


• Measure and document patient outcomes.


• Provide expertise and resources on Neuro Critical Care conditions, procedures, and interventions.


• Develop and evaluate clinical guidelines, policies, and protocols for the Neuro Critical Care unit.


• Lead programs and projects that align with the goals of Duke University Hospital and Duke Health System.

Job Eligibility Requirements

Education           

• Nurse Practitioners: Graduate of accredited MSN or DNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program for adult care.


• Physician Assistants: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; prefer Master's or Doctoral degree.


• Both: Critical Care Fellowship training preferred.

Certification 

• PA: PA-C


• NP: Nationally recognized critical care certification for adult care, e.g., ACNP, AGACNP, or CCNP

• BLS required.

License                

• Nurse Practitioners: Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. BLS required. National certification as a NP required.


• Physician Assistants: Must be licensed in the state of NC and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.


• Both: DEA licensure with full prescriptive authority required.

Experience          

• PA: 1 year experience as PA in adult critical care setting OR a one-year Critical Care Fellowship


• NP: 3 years RN experience in critical care setting + 1 year NP experience, preferably neuro related


• May also consider equivalent combination of required/preferred education and experience

Job Hours

• 12- or 24-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.


• The APP team provides 24/7 coverage.


• Scheduling may be adjusted by leadership based on department needs.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.