The employee is a member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the evaluation and treatment of neurosurgery patients. Utilizing advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, the employee acts as a clinician, coordinator, consultant, educator, leader and researcher. This position reports directly to Dr. M. Bruce Frankel, MD, Chair, Division of Neurosurgery.

I. Service 75%
A. Provides and coordinates delivery of care for patients seen in the neurosurgery clinic with physicians and other health care professionals.
B. Assesses, utilizing physical assessment skills, and documents the needs of patients and family members.
C. Participates in, plans, develops, organizes and evaluates the programs in Neurosurgery for continuity of care.
D. Develops, implements and reviews medical and nursing protocols relating to neurosurgery patients from referring institutions.
E. Participates in the interpretation of assessment data in order to determine actual or potential problems.
F. Assists in the formulation of plan of care with physicians and other health care professionals. Plans, implements and evaluates nursing interventions based on assessed needs.
G. Facilitates continuity of care through the referral of patients and contacts the referring physicians with both phone contact and follow-up letters.
H. Acts as a patient and family advocate using the nursing process and problem solving techniques.
I. Rounds on hospitalized patients in order to assure the transition of patients between hospital, home and outpatient care.
J. Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
K. Reports actual or potential risk management situations utilizing the hospital notification system.
L. Performs minor procedures in the clinic as instructed by the surgeon.
M. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities to function as a change agent by recommending and introducing practice innovations.
N. Applies the total quality management process to plan and implement change.
O. Utilizes advanced knowledge to act as a consultant to nurses and other members of the health care team regarding complex patient related problems.
P. Provides telephone consultation to potential clients and health care professionals regarding current neurosurgical health protocols.
II. Teaching 10%
A. Provides patient and family education based on assessed need regarding the diagnosis, treatment, protocols and diagnostic testing in the area of neurosurgery
B. Teaches patients and family members on necessary post-op care.
C. Develops, reviews, and evaluates a wide range of patient educational material related to the area of health relating to Neurosurgery
D. Provides and participates in professional educational activities related to neurosurgery patients.
III. Research 10%
A. Applies a scientific process to advance the service provided to patients.
B. Participates with the physicians and data manager in the enrollment and maintenance of patients on designated research protocols related to health and prevention.
C. Through appropriate committees, initiates and participates in nursing and interdisciplinary research.
D. Participates with nursing and other colleagues in the publication of approved research findings.
V. Administration 5%
A. Initiates and participates in the development of standards and policies regarding patient care through participation on appropriate committees.
B. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, establishes a strategic direction for the Division of Neurosurgery.
C. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional status.
D. Promotes positive interpersonal relationships and demonstrates effective communication methods.

1. Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program; AND

2. Received passing score on national certifying exam; AND

3. Ability to be licensed in the State of IL as a Nurse Practitioner or Current Illinois Certified Nurse Practitioner license.

4. Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

5. Experience providing services to multicultural populations.

6. Experience dealing with underrepresented minority populations.

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