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.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program
• Completion of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program required

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Ohio
• Valid license to practice as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the State of Ohio
• Current AHA BLS and ACLS certification required at the time of hire
• National certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC or equivalent)
• Certificate to Prescribe must be current and maintained at all times
• PHP Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) required prior to engaging in practice

Experience

• Two (2) to three (3) years of acute/critical care nursing experience preferred
• Prior critical care, neurocritical care, or neurosurgical ICU experience preferred

Knowledge / Skills

• Advanced understanding of neurological and neurosurgical critical care
• Proficiency in advanced diagnostic interpretation and invasive monitoring
• Excellent clinical judgment and ability to manage high-acuity patients
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and critical thinking skills
• Effective communication and teamwork skills in high-pressure environments
• Computer literacy including Excel, Word, Outlook; EMR experience required