Nurse Practitioner II

Columbia University Nurse Practitioner II - Neurology

The Department of Neurology at Columbia University is seeking an additional Nurse Practitioner to join the current nurse practitioners in the department's outpatient neurology clinical practice.

The Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and related neurocognitive disorders. The NP collaborates with physicians, nurses, infusion centers, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members to develop individualized care plans, monitor disease progression, and coordinate advanced therapies, including anti-amyloid treatments such as Leqembi (lecanemab).

The Nurse Practitioner II will work under the supervision of the attending physicians and be expected to ramp up his/her own schedule of patients over the course of the first year. The NP II appointment will be 50/50 between clinical and administrative responsibilities. Education and training in general and subspecialty neurological care will be provided as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, cognitive evaluations, and functional assessments.
• Diagnose and manage Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other cognitive disorders.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focused on symptom management, disease progression, quality of life, and caregiver support.
• Prescribe and manage medications used in the treatment of cognitive disorders and associated behavioral symptoms.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, safety concerns, and community resources.
• Coordinate care with neurologists, primary care providers, psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Monitor patients for disease progression, treatment effectiveness, adverse events, and changes in functional status.
• Assist with prior authorizations, disability paperwork, and returning phone calls. This will include cross-coverage with other NPs/MDs during vacations
• Document, code, and bill as appropriate.

Leqembi (Lecanemab) program Responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate appropriate candidates for Leqembi therapy according to clinical guidelines and prescribing requirements.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing and treatment eligibility assessments, including cognitive evaluations, biomarker testing, laboratory studies, and imaging as indicated.
• Obtain and document informed consent and provide patient and caregiver education regarding risks, benefits, expectations, and treatment monitoring requirements.
• Coordinate infusion scheduling with infusion centers and specialty pharmacies.
• Monitor patients receiving Leqembi for treatment response, adverse reactions, and potential complications, including amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).
• Review and coordinate required MRI surveillance and other monitoring protocols throughout treatment.
• Collaborate with neurologists and other specialists regarding treatment continuation, dose interruptions, and adverse event management.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory, payer, and clinical program requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice programs.
• Maintain current knowledge of advances in Alzheimer's disease and dementia care.
• Assist with patient care coordination, referrals, and transitions of care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and care planning meetings.
• Practice locations will include the main CUIMC campus, along with the possibility of working in satellite sites in Manhattan and Westchester. A portion of visits may be conducted over telemedicine.
• There may be opportunities for participation in clinical research protocols.
• There may be opportunities to do procedures such as occipital nerve blocks, skin biopsies, lumbar punctures, and Botox for chronic migraines. Training will be provided as needed.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Master's degree in Nursing or equivalent in education and experience, plus five years of experience.
• Current New York State NP and RN license.
• Current NP Board Certification.
• Current BLS, ACLS, DEA and NPI certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Neurological training and experience.
• Experience managing patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
• Familiarity with Leqembi (lecanemab) treatment protocols, infusion coordination, MRI monitoring, and ARIA surveillance.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary memory care teams and supporting caregivers throughout the disease continuum.
• EMR experience using Epic.
• Bilingual (Spanish).

Other Requirements

• Excellent problem solving, analytical, verbal and written communication skills required (using quantitative analysis and critical thinking).
• Ability to actively listen to ideas and concerns and respond in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to plan and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates a flexible attitude and ability to respond to a rapidly changing and demanding environment.
• Demonstrates ability to retain composure under stress and promote our values of consumer satisfaction.
• Superior clinical skill, motivated, enthusiastic, proactive and positive personality.
• Attention to detail and deadlines necessary.
• Must maintain compliance with hospital, local, regional, state, national and professional Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements.
• Participation in Medical Surveillance Program required.
• Able to meet New York-Presbyterian Hospital credentialing requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.