Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner)
Position Summary
The Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider (APP) is a highly skilled clinician responsible for delivering comprehensive care to patients with neurosurgical conditions across inpatient, outpatient, and perioperative settings. The APP functions as an integral member of the Neurosurgery Service Line, collaborating closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, hospitalists, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality, evidence-based care.
Key Responsibilities
1. Inpatient / Hospital Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive history and physical examinations for neurosurgical patients
Evaluate and manage acute neurosurgical conditions (e.g., TBI, stroke, spinal pathology, tumors)
Conduct daily rounds, including ICU and floor patients
Write progress notes, orders, and discharge summaries
Coordinate care with consulting services, nursing staff, and case management
Respond to neurosurgical consults in ED and inpatient units
Assist with patient triage and prioritization of surgical cases
2. Operative / Perioperative Responsibilities
First assist in neurosurgical procedures (cranial and spine, depending on training and privileges)
Perform preoperative assessments and optimization
Assist with positioning, exposure, and wound closure
Manage postoperative care, including complications and follow-up
Ensure continuity of care from OR to ICU/floor
3. Outpatient / Clinic Responsibilities
Conduct new patient evaluations and follow-up visits
Order and interpret diagnostic studies (CT, MRI, labs)
Develop and implement treatment plans under physician supervision
Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and postoperative care
Manage longitudinal care for spine and cranial patients
4. Call & Coverage Responsibilities
Participate in on-call rotation (including nights, weekends, and holidays as required)
Provide cross-coverage for inpatient neurosurgical services
Respond to urgent/emergent neurosurgical issues
Support hospital throughput and ED consult response times
5. Documentation & Compliance
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the EMR
Ensure adherence to hospital policies, CMS guidelines, and billing requirements
Support quality metrics, including LOS reduction and readmission prevention
6. Collaboration & Leadership
Work collaboratively with neurosurgeons, neurologists, and interdisciplinary teams
Participate in service line initiatives to improve patient care and operational efficiency
Assist in onboarding and mentoring new APPs
Contribute to protocol development and standardization of care pathways
Qualifications
Required
Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program
Current NCCPA certification (PA-C) or board certification (NP)
Active state licensure (or eligibility)
DEA license (or eligibility)
BLS and ACLS certification
Preferred
Prior neurosurgery, spine, ICU, or surgical experience
First assist experience in the OR
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills
Ability to manage high-acuity patients independently
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Proficiency in procedural skills (e.g., suturing, drain removal, lumbar puncture—if applicable)
Ability to function in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
Work Schedule
Full-time position with a combination of:
Inpatient coverage (day/night shifts)
OR time
Outpatient clinic
Weekend and holiday coverage required
Call schedule varies based on staffing model
Compensation & Benefits (Optional Section for Your Use)
Competitive salary (W-2 or 1099 structure depending on model)
Productivity incentives (optional: wRVU-based or per-shift bonuses)
CME allowance and paid CME days
Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
Health, dental, vision benefits (if applicable)
PTO and sick time
Work Environment
Hospital-based and outpatient clinic settings
High-acuity neurosurgical service line
Collaborative, team-based model with strong physician-APP integration
Why This Role Matters (Optional for Recruiting)
This role is critical to the success of a modern neurosurgery service line, enabling:
Faster consult response times
Improved patient throughput
Enhanced surgical efficiency
Better continuity of care across settings