Neurosurgery Inpatient Nurse Practitioner (APRN) or Physician Assistant

Hartford HealthCare; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford HealthCare in Bridgeport, CT seeks a Neurosurgery Inpatient NP/PA to provide advanced practice care to neurosurgical inpatients in a day-to-day on-site role. You will perform comprehensive assessments, develop care plans with neurosurgeons, order tests, manage pre- and post-operative patients, and participate in discharge planning.

You will collaborate with surgeons, hospitalists, nursing, rehab and other teams, contribute to quality improvement, and educate patients and families as

Qualifications

• Experience in neurosurgery or neurology inpatient care.
• Proficiency in focused neurological examinations and postoperative management.
• Strong communication and teamwork with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced practice care to neurosurgical inpatients.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and manage pre- and post-operative patients.
• Round on inpatient units and participate in discharge planning.
• Collaborate with neurosurgeons and interdisciplinary teams; contribute to quality improvement.
• Educate patients and families as part of the care process.

Skills

Neurosurgery experience

Inpatient acute care

Focused neurological exams

Communication

Teamwork

Patient education

Education

Graduate degree NP/PA program

Job description

Company Description

Hartford HealthCare is a comprehensive, integrated health system committed to transforming healthcare across Connecticut and beyond by improving access, affordability, health equity, and quality. With 44,000 colleagues and over 500 locations in 185 towns and cities, the system provides care in hospital, outpatient, home, and community settings. Its network includes world-class hospitals, behavioral health services, multispecialty physician groups, urgent and virtual care, surgery centers, home and senior care, rehabilitation, and mobile neighborhood health programs. Through a unique Institute Model, Hartford HealthCare unites leading experts in neuroscience, cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular care, orthopedics, and urology & kidney health to deliver coordinated, high-value care. All hospitals hold Leapfrog A-ratings, reflecting national recognition for patient safety and clinical excellence.

Role Description

The Neurosurgery Inpatient Nurse Practitioner (APRN) or Physician Assistant provides advanced practice care to neurosurgical inpatients in an on-site, full-time role based in Bridgeport, CT. Day-to-day responsibilities include performing comprehensive patient assessments, developing and implementing care plans in collaboration with neurosurgeons and interdisciplinary teams, and managing pre- and post-operative neurosurgical patients. The role includes ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, monitoring clinical status, and responding to changes in patient condition in acute-care settings. The clinician will round on inpatient units, participate in discharge planning and patient education, support transitions of care, and contribute to quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives within the neuroscience service line.

Qualifications

• Licensure and credentials: Current Connecticut APRN or PA license (or eligibility), national board certification, Graduate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program, and active DEA/controlled substance prescriptive authority or eligibility.
• Clinical expertise: Demonstrated experience or strong interest in neurosurgery, neurology, or acute inpatient care; proficiency in performing focused neurological examinations, managing complex post-operative patients, and coordinating multidisciplinary care.
• Technical and procedural skills: Ability to order and interpret laboratory and imaging studies, manage common neurosurgical devices (e.g., drains, shunts, post-operative monitoring equipment), and perform procedures within scope of practice and institutional privilege.
• Communication and teamwork: Strong communication skills for collaborating with surgeons, hospitalists, nursing, rehabilitation, and ancillary teams; skill in patient and family education; ability to contribute effectively in high-acuity, fast-paced environments.
• Professional competencies: Commitment to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and quality improvement; strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and organization; ability to prioritize and manage a dynamic inpatient caseload.
• Additional preferred qualifications: Prior inpatient or surgical PA/APRN experience