Neurology, Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Stroke and Headache - Worcester, MA

Job Description

Stroke & Headache Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant

Location: Massachusetts
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Stroke and Headache Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to join our multidisciplinary neurology and cerebrovascular care team . The Advanced Practice Provider will perform comprehensive neurological evaluations and manage patients with acute and chronic cerebrovascular conditions as well as headache disorders .

This role combines clinical expertise, patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement initiatives to deliver high-quality, evidence-based neurological care. The APP will work closely with the outpatient neurology team s to optimize patient outcomes across the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive neurological assessments including detailed patient history and neurological examinations in the outpatient setting.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests including neuroimaging, laboratory studies, and other relevant neurological evaluations .
• Develop differential diagnoses and implement patient-centered plans of care .
• Manage follow up for patients with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, TIA, and headache disorders using evidence-based protocols.
• Prescribe medications and treatments in accordance with Massachusetts state regulations .

Outpatient Stroke Management

• Responsible for the evaluation and management of patients post stroke, TIA and headache in the outpatient setting.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests including neuroimaging, laboratory studies, and other relevant neurological evaluations
• Review and provide education regarding medication adherence and stroke prevention.
• Order appropriate neurological follow up labs and imaging
• Order appropriate outpatient therapy

Headache and Neurology Care

• Evaluate and manage patients with primary and secondary headache disorders , including migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and medication-overuse headache.
• Develop individualized treatment plans including preventive therapies, acute treatment strategies, and lifestyle modification .
• Provide patient education on headache triggers, prevention strategies, and long-term management .
• Participate in headache clinics and outpatient neurology follow-up visits .

Care Coordination

• Coordinate care after hospital admission of stoke patients
• Collaborate with rehabilitation services, nursing, case management, and social work in the outpatient setting .
• Provide patient and family education regarding stroke recovery and prevention, headache management, and risk factor modification.

Program & Quality Improvement

• Support stroke program initiatives and compliance with national stroke certification standards .
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to stroke and neurological care outcomes .
• Engage in continuing education and professional development in stroke, cerebrovascular medicine, and headache management.

Standard Responsibilities

• Comply with departmental policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Participate in departmental meetings, conferences, and educational activities.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to a collaborative work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Master s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program or completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program .
• National certification as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
• Current Massachusetts NP or PA license .
• Eligibility for prescriptive authority (Schedules II VI) .

Preferred

• Clinical experience in neurology, stroke care or headache medicine
• 3 5 years of advanced practice clinical experience .

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Why Join Our Team

• Collaborative multidisciplinary neurology and stroke program
• Opportunity to work alongside outpatient neurologists
• Participation in evidence-based stroke and headache care
• Ability to care for diverse neurological patients across the continuum of care

Why Join UMass Memorial Health?

At UMass Memorial Medical Center, you ll be part of a collaborative, mission driven team that values respect, inclusivity, and professional excellence. We are committed to supporting our providers through education, mentorship, and opportunities to grow within a highly specialized neurology practice.