PA or CRNP (ACNP), UPP Neurosurgery - UPMC Presbyterian

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

University of Pittsburgh Physicians is hiring a full-time Physician Assistant or Acute Care Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner to support Neurosurgery at UPMC Presbyterian. The position is based in the Department of Neurological Surgery’s outpatient complex spine service and works with a high-volume neurosurgeon in a fast-paced academic environment. The role involves independent management of patient schedules and participation in initial evaluations and longitudinal follow-up for patients with traumatic and degenerative spinal conditions. The successful candidate should bring initiative, critical thinking, and a strong interest in spine neurosurgery. The APP provides patient care through independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with a physician and the broader care delivery team. The role includes setting and maintaining standards for care quality, developing collaborative relationships across the continuum of care, and contributing to patient outcomes, education, and workflow. The successful candidate will be placed according to years and months of experience for employment purposes. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: UPMC Presbyterian.

Requirements

For the CRNP pathway: successful completion of an approved nurse practitioner program.
For the CRNP pathway: current state RN license and CRNP certification; eligibility for Pennsylvania licensure and CRNP certification as specified in the posting.
For the PA pathway: graduation from a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
For the PA pathway: current state PA license and certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Current CPR certification is required.
Act 34 Clearance is required.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, other providers, staff, departments, and patients and families.
Ability to work productively and effectively in a complex environment, handle multiple or changing priorities, and use specialized equipment.
Critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities related to patient care, along with good clinical judgment.
Mobility and visual-manual dexterity.
Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.
Successful attainment and maintenance of hospital privileges, if applicable to the Business Unit practice.

Nice To Haves

For the CRNP pathway: BSN or MSN preferred.
For the CRNP pathway: professional nursing experience and/or nurse practitioner experience preferred.
For the PA pathway: BS or MS candidate preferred.
For the PA pathway: physician assistant experience and/or experience in a clinical setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive outpatient evaluations and develop treatment plans for patients with complex spinal disorders and trauma.
Independently manage follow-up visits, postoperative assessments, and new consultations.
Triage clinical concerns and communicate management plans to the surgical team with appropriate urgency.
Coordinate outpatient care, imaging follow-up, and presurgical planning as the primary point of contact.
Collaborate with the surgeon and multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes and streamline workflow.
Participate in ongoing education and training related to spine care and neurosurgical best practices.
Provide patient care for a group of patients and their families using independent judgment, communication, and collaboration with team members.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with physicians, other health care providers, patients, and families to support desired outcomes throughout the continuum of care.
Communicate effectively verbally and in documentation, apply critical thinking, formulate plans of care based on individual needs, and follow professional practice standards.
Seek guidance, feedback, and learning opportunities to develop clinical practice and participate in continuing professional development.
Identify patient and family education needs and provide basic education relevant to the episode of care.
Participate in evidence-based practice and identify opportunities to improve clinical quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Communicate clearly with the health care team, support workplace safety, and recognize cultural diversity and ethical concerns.
Set priorities, contribute recommendations and change initiatives, and build healthy working relationships across disciplines.
Demonstrate knowledge of growth and development across the life span, assess patient data and age-specific needs, and provide care according to department policies and procedures.