Nocturnist Neurosurgery Physician Assistant Operative

Physician Assistant Neurosurgery-Operative

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates is seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for a nocturnist position in their practice at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where comprehensive care to patients with disorders of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system is provided.

This position requires a strong focus on patient care and service. Individuals who are self-motivated, hardworking, detail oriented, and adhere to clinical protocols are encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate will provide patient care in a competent, professional, and courteous manner, and will maintain effective communication with patients, hospital staff, and referring physicians. The PA will practice in close collaboration with the neurosurgeons in the group, who will provide continuing education in the evaluation and management of neurosurgical patients.

First assist with posterior occiput/ cervical/thoracic/lumbar pedicle screw placement, TLIFs and instrumental fusions; ACDF; craniotomies/craniectomies; brain tumor resections; acute/chronic SDH evacuations; burr holes and plate placements; VP shunt and EVD insertions; and thoracic/lumbar kyphoplasty.

Neurosurgical general consultations and diagnosis (clinic and hospital): acute/chronic back pain, neck pain, cervical/lumbar radiculopathies, herniated disc diseases, degenerative spine disease, lumbar scoliosis, discitis/osteomyelitis of spin; carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve compression; normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain/spine tumors (metastatic brain tumors, schwannoma, glioma, meningioma, CNS lymphoma, etc.)

Neurotrauma consultations: C1/2 fractures from MVA or falls, burst/compression/chance fractures; acute/chronic SDH, SAH, ICH, emergent head and spine traumas;
Cauda equina syndrome, Conus Medullaris.

Preop management: obtaining imaging (MRI, CT, x-rays), labs (CBC w/ diff, BMP/CMP, PT/PTT, INR, UA w/ culture + sensitivity), surgical clearance (pulmonary, cardiology, anesthesia, etc.), explaining surgical details, and starting medication to prevent risk of intra/postop infections.

Postop management: removing staples, sutures, JP drain, EVD catheters. Reviewing postop lab values (CBC w/ diff, BMP/CMP, intra-op cultures). Obtaining follow up imaging to evaluate postop hardware placements, SDH/ICH/IPH, tumor monitoring. Measuring/correcting VP shunt levels. Referral to physical therapy and/or occupational therapy, pain management.

Experience with interpreting head, C/T/L-spine MRIs, CT, CT myelograms, and x-rays (AP, lateral, flexion, extension views), and EMG/NCV studies. Ordering diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT with contrast vs non-contract studies).

The evaluation and management of neurosurgical patients in the emergency room and hospital, including the intensive care unit.

Returning after hours phone calls from existing patients and their physicians.

First assisting in the operating room.

Performing procedures on neurosurgical patients in the ICU and ER.

Patient and family education.

Shift/

Schedule:

7 on 7 Off schedule- 7:00pm-7:00am.

The PA Surgical Specialty-Operative is a graduate of an accredited training program and is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider who actively renders direct patient care and possesses delegated prescriptive authority. RNFA certification is required for nurse practitioner applicants. The PA or NP is credentialed and privileged, and their service is billed as an independent billing provider, as recognized by Medicare and Medicaid within the healthcare system, and in accordance with the appropriate board.

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates was created in September 2004 to provide state-of-the-art neurosurgical care to patients in our community. The BSW Neuroscience Center, one of America’s premiere Neuroscience facilities, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the country's best.

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates provides a full complement of surgical treatments for the central and peripheral nervous systems…