Nurse Practitioner, (Cardiothoracic ICU) - Critical Care

The Nurse Practitioner is a member of the intensive care team and has primary responsibility for the management of critically ill complex patients in a cardiothoracic ICU setting. The NP has specialized skill and knowledge related to the unique cardiothoracic ICU setting, performing physical exams, collecting and documenting data, conducting approved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ordering and scheduling laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribing appropriate interventions and medications, and providing direct patient care services in the ICU, according to established protocols and evidence‑based clinical practice standards. Essential Duties Primary responsibility is the management of critically ill complex patients in an intensive care setting. Demonstrates ability to manage high acuity patients requiring specialized monitoring and care. Develops plans of care with individualized interventions and completes patient care procedures correctly. Conducts in‑depth interviews with patients and/or family, constructs comprehensive medical histories, performs initial and periodic physical examinations, and explores patients’ interpretation of health needs. Identifies and treats patients’ diseases and manages treatment of hospitalized patients. Directly performs or orders appropriate diagnostic studies and interprets finished results including lab studies, professional consults and approved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Develops and implements long‑ and short‑term treatment plans. Forms and implements treatment plans for acute illness management in collaboration with the designated primary supervising physician and/or attending back‑up physicians. Performs procedures such as obtaining specimens, performing injections, immunizations, lumbar punctures, skin biopsies, suturing, wound care and management of conditions produced by trauma or infection. Writes orders to increase, decrease or change medication, subject to checking and counter‑signing by physician. Prescribes appropriate interventions and medications and provides direct patient care services in the ICU setting, according to established protocols and evidence‑based clinical practice standards. Identifies records pertinent to progress of patients, updates and summarizes charts, changes orders when appropriate, and notifies the responsible physician of changes in the patient’s condition. Instructs and counsels patients and families regarding preventive care, medical problems, psychological problems, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Maintains compliance with established University and department policies and procedures, quality assurance, safety, environmental, infection control and complies with requirements of accreditation and regulatory agencies. Participates in in‑service education programs and professional associations. Provides leadership to the organization and nursing profession. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Master’s degree from an accredited school of Nursing (MSN). 5 years of clinical nursing experience. 2 years minimum cardiothoracic ICU experience as an NP or RN. Experience with ECMO, VAD, IMPELLA, IABP. Ability to intubate patients (or willingness to learn once trained). Ability to manage critical situations and codes. Required Licenses/Certifications Registered Nurse (RN) – California Board of Registered Nursing. Nurse Practitioner (NP) – California Board of Registered Nursing. Nurse Practitioner Furnisher – California DCA. DEA Certificate for controlled substances (Schedule II‑V). National Board Certification in Nurse Practitioner specialty (ABSNC or NCCA). For hospital/acute care setting: certification from ANCC or AACN as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) or Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) upon hire. Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association. Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) – must be obtained within 30 days of hire. The hourly rate range for this position is $77.64 – $127.00. #J-18808-Ljbffr Veterans in Healthcare