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

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 teams 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.