Job description

Responsibilities
The Physician Assistant-Cardiac Surgery provides operative (pre, intra and post) care to patients. Under the auspices of a designated supervising physician(s), the Physician Assistant- Cardiac Surgery applies in depth knowledge, expert skill, and clinical judgment in first assisting the surgeon with performing complex surgical procedures. Additionally, the Physician Assistant- Cardiac Surgery provides care as needed in the inpatient and outpatient clinical settings and participates in call coverage with the cardiac surgeons and advanced practice providers.

Direct Patient Care

Provide care to patients including assessment, comprehensive evaluation, interpretation of diagnostic data, and coordination of patient plans of care as well as staff, patient, and caregiver education. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s clinical pathways (for appropriate area of practice) and applicable clinical policies and procedures. Demonstrates competence in patient assessment, prescribing of pharmaceutical agents, and utilization of evidence-based practices. Initiates medical orders including, but not limited to, orders for prescribing and dispensing certain medications within the Physician Assistant scope of practice as defined by applicable state law and established hospital protocols. Participates in call coverage with the cardiac surgeons and other advance practice providers as assigned. Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to case start time to assist with prepping and draping. Demonstrates aseptic technique while providing care to perioperative patients utilizing advanced surgical instruments, including cardiac and cardiac robotic instrumentation and technology. Under direction of surgeon(s), completes and/or assists with procedures including but not limited to endoscopic harvesting of saphenous vein(s) for bypass procedures, tissue dissection and exposure, sternal wiring and wound closure, cannulation and decannulation, placement of drains, placement and removal of small bore chest tubes, placement of central lines, provision of hemostasis, wound exposure, handling of tissue to reduce possible injury, suturing, and application of wound dressings. Make daily inpatient rounds and record pertinent patient progress in charts. Perform histories and physicals. Write orders in hospital charts for review and counter signature by surgeon. Write standing orders as directed by supervising surgeon. Record pertinent data on patient charts for signature by surgeon. Provide preliminary assessment and interpretation of various diagnostic studies including laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and radiologic studies. Initiate consultation and monitor patients for special tests. Dictate or write progress notes and discharge summaries. Perform postoperative follow-up care inpatient and ambulatory to include: Remove sutures, staples Incise and drain superficial skin infections Debride, suture care for superficial wounds Change/remove wound dressings Administer medication upon request of supervising surgeon Initiate emergency resuscitation and stabilization measures on any patient as required Change postoperative or neckline dressings Provide patient education and discharge instructions. Arrange patient admissions and dismissals to include referral of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities, agencies, other resources in the community or other physicians. Communicates with families, employers, institutions and other health care providers regarding patient’s treatment and status.

Planning/Organizing/Initiating
Organize and prioritize clinical responsibilities to maximize time, efficiency, and productivity. Implement and evaluate progress toward goals for prescribed plan of care based on protocols/guidelines/pathways. Provide patient care information to staff and collaborate with supervising physician(s) about the patient’s progress. Demonstrates flexibility, sound judgment, and adaptability in decision making/problem solving/team building to function as an effective team member.

Communication
Maintain effective verbal and written communication skills with all members of the healthcare team to promote continuity of care. Documentation in the patient’s medical record regarding all treatments and interventions is clear, concise and completed in a timely manner. Interactions with all health care professionals are conducted in a professional manner. Keep hospital staff/management informed of pertinent information. Provide educational sessions / mentorship for facility staff as needed. Effectively communicates with patient family/significant other in a professional manner. Demonstrates excellent customer service skills with patients, visitors, and healthcare team.

Qualifications
Education, Credentials, Licenses: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program and meets the requirement for certification/re-certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in appropriate specialty area.

Licensure as a Physician Assistant in the state where work is being performed including completion of CME requirements.

Requires Certificate of Authority and Standard Care Arrangement with collaborating physician to practice as a physician assistant.

St. Elizabeth Medical Staff Membership & Privileges.

DEA Certificate with prescribing/dispensing privileges in the state where work is being performed.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Surgical Assistant or a similar certification

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