Penn State Health -
Hershey Medical CenterLocation: US:PA: Hershey
Work Type: Full Time
FTE: 1.0
Shift: Varied
Shift Differential: Exempt: Yes Hours: Varied
Recruiter Contact: Please contact Esther I. Zechman at ezechman@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for additional information.
Summary of Position: The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated Nurse Practitioner to support a high-volume, academically active Functional Neurosurgery practice. The APP will work collaboratively with attending neurosurgeons, residents, fellows, nursing staff, and ancillary services to deliver comprehensive care to patients with movement disorders, epilepsy, pain syndromes, spasticity, and other functional neurosurgical conditions. This role emphasizes longitudinal patient care, perioperative management, procedural support, and coordination of multidisciplinary care. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and demonstrate strong clinical judgment, organizational skills, and interest in functional neurosurgery.
Primary Responsibilities Clinical Care - Conduct comprehensive outpatient evaluations for functional neurosurgery patients, including pre-operative consultations and post-operative follow-up
- Manage perioperative care for patients undergoing procedures such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy surgery, intrathecal pump placement, spinal cord stimulation, and lesioning procedures
- Perform inpatient rounds, write progress notes, and coordinate care plans in collaboration with attending neurosurgeons and trainees
- Participate in patient counseling, informed consent discussions (as appropriate), and education regarding surgical procedures and postoperative expectations
- Manage routine postoperative issues, medication adjustments, and symptom-based care under established protocols
Procedural and Operative Support - Assist in the operating room for functional neurosurgical procedures, as appropriate to training and credentialing
- Provide perioperative and postoperative procedural support, including wound care, device troubleshooting
- Participate in DBS programming support and coordination (training provided as needed)
Care Coordination and Program Support - Coordinate multidisciplinary care with neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and other specialties
- Facilitate surgical scheduling, pre-operative testing, and postoperative follow-up
- Serve as a point of contact for patients and families, ensuring continuity of care and timely communication
- Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and clinical pathway development
Academic and Professional Activities - Participate in teaching of residents, fellows, and students
- Contribute to clinical research, database management, or outcomes tracking, depending on interest and program needs
- Support departmental educational and academic missions
Minimum Qualifications - Masters Degree in Nursing with clinical specialization required.
- Two years work experience as a RN required.
- Current licensed to practice as a CRNP by Pennsylvania Board of Nurse Examiners required.
- Must have demonstrated effective skills in consultation.
- Certification as an NP in the area of practice specialization is preferred.
Preferred - Prior experience in neurosurgery, neurology, or a surgical subspecialty
- Interest in functional neurosurgery, movement disorders, or epilepsy
- Experience in inpatient and outpatient surgical care environments
To learn more about the Department of Neurosurgery, please visit the link below:
https://storystudio.wgal.com/thirty-years-of-tremors-one-life-changing-procedure/
https://storystudio.wgal.com/hope-in-motion/
This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.
