Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Cardiac Surgery ICU - 12 Hour Shift - Nights

Responsibilities

• Promotes and maintains patient health by providing medical services under the supervisor of a Supervising Physician.
• Assess patient health by interviewing patients: performs physical examination; obtaining, updating and studying medical histories both in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
• Analyzes and organizes the care of clinically complex patients which may include socio-cultural, cognitive, functional, nutritional and educational evaluation.
• Acts as patient advocate by providing for the patient's best interest as a liaison between the patient, family and Supervising Physician and insurance companies; updating doctors and keeping patients informed and knowledgeable of changes in care plan and patient status. Acts to ensure the hospital stay is a positive experience. Accessible as much as possible to answer questions, patient concerns and phone calls promptly. As appropriate refers to case management and other healthcare providers, if necessary. Able to effectively assess and manage patient/family psychosocial issues.
• Works in collaboration with interdisciplinary team (Attending/residents) to implement and direct patient management plan while utilizing appropriate evidence-based and diagnostic tools coupled with therapeutic modalities to ensure the best outcome and shortest hospital stay.
• Dictates clear concise history and physicals for consults, follow ups, interactions with patients, discharge summaries and letters. All dictations contain necessary information to document patients' care plan and ensure continuity of care.
• Coordinates MD referrals to various departments when appropriate. If applicable, ensures baseline assessments on both ICU and non-monitored bed patients to prevent postoperative complications and decrease morbidity.
• Performs appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for identification and management of patient diagnosis within the scope of practice of a physician assistant and approved medical staff privileges.
• Communicates to and guides staff in structuring/relaying information regarding patient in a clear and precise manner, always respectful toward both patient and fellow colleagues. Utilizes SBAR, read back for telephone orders or critical test results and avoidance of unauthorized abbreviations.
• Assists service line manager/director with the recruitment process by participating in interviews as requested and providing orientation to newly hired PA's. Provides mentoring/ guidance to new PA's , students, volunteers and provides educational in-services to co-workers, as appropriate.
• Provides emergency resuscitation as indicated within established guidelines by maintaining BLS and ACLS certification. Able to identify a patient at risk for cardiac/respiratory compromise early and making transfer arrangements to higher levels of care. Maintains certification by appropriate organizations, complies with CSMC and departmental requirements. Remains is good standing with Medical Staff.
• Performs other duties as determined collaboratively by the Supervising Physicians that are within the scope of practice of a physician assistant and the health care institution's policies.

Qualifications