MUSC Health – Columbia Medical Center Northeast is seeking a skilled and motivated Advanced Practice Provider (APP) to join our Neurological Surgery team in northeastern Columbia, SC. This is an exceptional opportunity for an APP who thrives in the operating room and enjoys the balance of both surgical and clinical practice.

In this role, you will work side-by-side with an experienced neurosurgeon, actively participating in surgical procedures, perioperative management, and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. Responsibilities include assisting in the OR, pre and post-operative evaluations, inpatient rounding, discharge planning, and ongoing coordination of patient care.

The ideal candidate has prior surgical or neurosurgical experience, demonstrates confidence in high-acuity patient management, and values collaboration in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Call coverage (phone and in-person) will align with the physician’s call schedule.

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Salaried/Exempt

Hours per week: 40

Scheduled Work Hours/Shift: Monday–Friday, with hours varying based on the physician’s schedule. A typical shift is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though start and end times may shift as needed. The APP will take first call in alignment with the physician’s call schedule and may be eligible for additional compensation for call coverage beyond the minimum requirement.

Patient Population Focus: Inpatient, Outpatient, Operating Room/First Assist, Procedural Unit, Emergency Department Management/Consultation.

Patient Population Age Range: 18 years-death

Required Minimum Training and Experience:
Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant or completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as an APRN as noted below.  

APRN License Type/Certification:

• FNP (Family NP): (birth to death) Stable chronic disease state management, primary care across the lifespan. The NP must hold an RNFA certification upon hire to first assist in the operation room.

Preferred Training and Experience

Training: Physician Assistant or if APRN License Type/Certification:

•  AGACNP/ACNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner): Adult pts (13 years to death), acutely ill or injured, potentially unstable, or technologically dependent (vents, drips, monitors, etc.) The NP must hold an RNFA certification upon hire to first assist in the operation room.

Experience: Previous neuro-surgery experience, orthopedic spine, or surgical experience.

Degree of Supervision:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant will be assigned a Primary Supervising/Collaborating Physician employed by MUSC and will report directly to this physician.

Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations: All certifications must be current and complete prior to start date:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• DHEC and DEA license

Job Duties

• Provides direct care to patients through the following activities:
• Takes comprehensive history and performs physical examinations
• Evaluates and treats based on history, physical examination, radiological, laboratory, and other diagnostic test results pursuant to the practice agreement or scope of practice guideline
• Initiates referrals to other health care provides, and/or consults with the attending physician or the collaborating physician
• Documents and bills for direct care provided
• Utilizes current research and evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice
• Performs and participates in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education
• Potential to precept students at MUSC enrolled as an advanced practice provider student; and facilitates the learning of other new team members
• APRN or PA must maintain licenses, certifications, CNEs/CMEs, etc. as required by applicable policies and state law
• First or second assistant in the operating room. Assist with use of monitoring devices
• Initiate appropriate emergency care in the inpatient and outpatient setting until the arrival of the supervising physician
• Manage discharge of patients with appropriate disposition, follow-up planning, adjunctive therapy management and education
• Make assessment of emergency conditions and, in conjunction with attending physician, implement management
• Provide pre-and post-operative patient education to patients and their families
• Communicate with referring or primary care physicians regarding patient care and treatment
• Provide follow-up and health maintenance care including the appropriate adjustment of medications in accordance with established protocols or in response to specific instructions from the Attending Physician

Physical Requirements

Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see, and recognize objects nearby and at a distance, work in a latex safe environment and work indoors. Frequently lift, lower, push and pull and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs (+/-) unassisted, exert up to 50 lbs of force, lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces.