Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Nursing and Jefferson Health’s Department of Neurosurgery are now offering a joint program starting in July 2020. This Spine Fellowship is a 1-year structured program to teach nurse practitioners how to become expert clinicians in perioperative spine.  

The didactic curriculum consists of lectures, conferences, and a core, web-based program of study that provides video lectures complemented by reading assignments, PowerPoint presentations, and written examinations. Content encompasses topics in spine. The curriculum aims to provide NP fellows with a solid network of fundamentals that can support the development of their clinical acumen in the care of the spine patient.

The clinical curriculum works in concert with the didactic component and features strategically placed rotations in outpatient, inpatient, and operative settings at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Unlike what many NPs routinely experience, this phase can serve as a "transition to practice" or a time of preparation for independent clinical activity. NP fellows are expected to perform daily rounds; present patients articulately and accurately; describe and implement treatment plans; give educational presentations to physician, PA, and RN staff; perform invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; and participate and become proficient in all surgical aspects of the perioperative care of the surgical patient. The goal of the clinical curriculum is to foster and instruct the NP fellow so they may develop proficient clinical skills in the pre-, peri-, and post-operative care of the spine patient.

Duration: 12 months 
Number of fellows accepted: 1 
Location: Thomas Jefferson University

How to Apply: email application to nicole.cavaliere@jefferson.edu

To expedite the application process, please complete the 3 following items and send as an attachment to Nicole Cavaliere, nicole.cavaliere@jefferson.edu.  Please include:

1. A single-page typed personal statement describing yourself, your background and why you desire a career in spine. 
2. Please include a copy of your current CV
3. Please provide the name, email and phone number of 3 people who can serve as a profession recommendation on behalf of your application.

Prerequisites: Candidates will have completed an accredited nurse practitioner program by the time the fellowship starts and should have graduated within the last 2 years

Expectations:

• Applicants must be graduates of an NP accredited program with a minimum of a 3.2 overall GPA.
• Applicants must undergo a pre-employment background check, be eligible for Pennsylvania licensure upon acceptance into the program, and obtain their license prior to start of the residency.
• New graduates accepted into the program are required to pass the AGACNP examination prior to matriculating into the fellowship program.
• Applicants must appear in person for the interview with the department of neurosurgery.
• Fellows will be given extensive opportunity to work on premier academic projects and research with the esteemed Jefferson Neurosurgery faculty.
• Upon successful completion of the fellowship program, the NP will be awarded a Certificate of Completion signed by the Program Director, Medical Director, and the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery.

Benefits: NP fellows are eligible for the full and comprehensive benefits package afforded to all full-time NPs employed by Thomas Jefferson University.

Application deadline: March 27
Interview dates: April 6-17
Selection notification: May 1
Start Date: July 6

Jack Jallo, PhD, MD, FACS
Professor
Department of Neurosurgery
Thomas Jefferson University

Catherine Harris, PhD, MBA, CRNP
Associate Professor
College of Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University

Nicole Cavaliere, MSN, CRNP
Instructor
College of Nursing
Thomas Jefferson University