Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic Surgery in Rock Island, IL

The P.A. in Cardiovascular Surgery assists the supervising surgeon in the management of patients and performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under the supervision of the surgeon. Will serve as 1st assistant in surgeries, perform endoscopic conduit harvest when applicable, follow up post operatively, and assist in discharge planning. Provide patient care in the office setting. The P.A. works closely with and assists the surgeon in providing quality, efficient, continuous, and cost effective care during the patient's hospitalization.

JOB DUTIES

1. Actively demonstrates the organization's mission and core values, and conducts oneself at all times in a manner consistent with these values.
2. Knows and adheres to all laws and regulations pertaining to patient health, safety and medical information.
3. Conducts daily hospital rounds, performs first assist duties, performs endoscopic conduit harvest when applicable, and scrub in to help close once patient is stable off cardiopulmonary bypass (cardiac cases).
4. Performs complete, accurate history and physical (H&P) assessment/examination as appropriate for patient setting/type of visit. Performs consults. Documents H&P, consults and enters progress notes in medical record.
5. Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic tests and accurately, communicates results to patient, completes all documentation, adhering to compliance standards for documentation, coding/billing and collaborative supervision. Reports abnormal findings to collaborative/supervising physician. Enters orders into electronic medical record (EMR).
6. Prescribes appropriate treatment, pharmacological agents and/or other non-pharmacological interventions. Completes simple and complex procedures independently including insertion and removal of chest tubes, insertion and removal of arterial lines, and removal of IABP. Reports adverse patient responses to collaborative/supervision physician. Refers patients to specialists when appropriate.
7. Willingness to learn central line placement and limited transthoracic echo.
8. Provides direct patient and family education regarding patient medical condition/disease process, treatment methodologies, outcomes management, wellness and prognosis.
9. Determines the effectiveness of patient care plans, treatment and interventions through reassessment and modifies as necessary to achieve patient health status goals. Reports significant plan changes to collaborative/supervising physician.
10. Responsible for communication with physician regarding variations from normal and evaluation of patient outcomes. Collaborates with physician and other members of health care team to provide individualized plan of care. Delegates care within scope of practice.
11. Handles discharge planning and dictates discharge summaries.
12. Office duties include: availability to see patients for same day visits, office procedures, returning phone calls from patients. Evaluation and screening, and counseling of patients on health maintenance and promotion of utilization of community resources.
13. Participates in medical record, patient care, quality assurance, process improvement and compliance audits, evaluations and follow-up.
14. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in handling schedule coverage and service excellence. There will be expectations to participate in a call schedule.
15. Participate in education for nurses and other health care providers, and participate in community outreach education.
16. Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job, effective operation of medical practice and access/delivery of care to patients as directed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Graduate of an accredited PA program with master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Health Science (MHS), Medical Science (MMS) or Doctor of Science Physician Assistant (DscPA).

Licensure: Current Illinois license and certification or registration by Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (NCCPA), Illinois CSR and DEA.

Experience: Minimum 2 years experience as a Physician Assistant with cardiothoracic surgery experience.

Other Job Requirements: Well developed and demonstrable communication skills required; strong inter-personal and collaborative skills with physicians, healthcare professionals, hospital and public agency staff; strong decision making skills that support patient care needs, ethical standards, legal compliance and fiscal integrity.

Assigned hours within your shift, starting time, or days of work are subject to change based on departmental and/or organizational needs.