Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Cardiothoracic ICU

Job Description Summary

The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant is a valued member of the intensive care team who has coordination and clinical skills required for the comprehensive management of critical care medicine patients. Through relationships in an interprofessional culture that supports all members of the healthcare team, the Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will demonstrate specialized skills in the care of patients and families undergoing operative and other invasive procedures.

The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant coordinates involvement of medical/surgical specialty teams, practicing in a collaborative environment necessary to develop a comprehensive plan for the patient. Reviews the plan of care with the other members of the clinical team, participates in directing that care. The provider will work with the team to ensure adherence to protocol requirements and regulatory guidelines contributing to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and leadership to the organization and profession.

They will perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures; peri-procedural services, and coordinate discharge planning to next level of care (as applicable).

Patient Population Focus: Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Patient Population Age Range: 13 years - death

Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as a Physician Assistant or completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program and currently licensed or eligible for licensure as an APRN as noted below.

• Physician Assistant
• APRN
  • AGPNP/ANP (Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP or Adult NP):
    Adult patients (13 years to death), stable chronic disease state management or primary care setting.
  • FNP (Family NP): (birth to death) Stable chronic disease state management, primary care across the lifespan.
  • Certification as a Nurse Practitioner specific to the area of employment required unless a new graduate. New graduates must be certification eligible upon employment, and obtain certification within six months of employment.

Physician Assistant or if APRN License Type/Certification:

• Physician Assistant
• APRN
  • AGACNP/ACNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner):
    Adult patients (13 years to death), acutely ill or injured, potentially unstable, or technologically dependent (vents, drips, monitors, etc.).

2+ years NP experience or PA-C experience is preferred. Acute Care training and/or cardiology experience also preferred.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant will be assigned a Primary Supervising/Collaborating Physician employed by MUSC and will report directly to this physician.

All certifications must be current and complete prior to start date:

• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
• DHEC and DEA license applications must be started prior to first day if applicable.

Provides direct care to patients through the following activities:

• Takes comprehensive history and performs physical examinations.
• Evaluates and treats on the basis of history, physical examination, radiological, laboratory, and other diagnostic test results pursuant to the practice agreement or scope of practice guideline.
• Performs the following therapeutic procedures in accordance with procedural privileges, skill and proficiency as approved by the Clinical Division Chief:
  • Arterial line placement
  • Central line placement
  • Pulmonary artery catheter placement
  • Chest tube removal
  • Temporary epicardial pacing wires removal
  • Epidural catheter removal
  • External pacemaker application
  • Direct current cardioversion
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Intubation
  • Paracentesis
  • Thoracentesis
  • Interosseous access
• Initiates referrals to other health care providers, and/or consults with the attending physician or the collaborating physician.
• Documents and bills for direct care provided.
• Utilizes current research and evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice.
• Performs and participates in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research.
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization.
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education.
• Potential to precept students at MUSC enrolled as an advanced practice provider student; and facilitates the learning of other new team members.
• APRN or PA must maintain licenses, certifications, CNEs/CMEs, etc. as required by applicable policies and state law.

Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform…