Physician Assistant, Cardiovascular Surgery

Job Title:
Physician Assistant - Cardiovascular

Reports to: Director Cardiovascular Svc Line

Department: Cardiovascular Surgery RHSC

Job Code: 800780

Approval Date: December 2020

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Regions Hospital is seeking a full-time Physician Assistant. Primary duties include first assist in adult cardiac and thoracic, as well as robotic procedures, partnering in perioperative and postoperative care, inpatient rounding, call coverage, and clinic as needed. Current call responsibility is 1 in 4, on average. In the operating room, duties include patient positioning, endoscopic vein harvest, first assisting the surgeon at the chest, wound closure, and assisting with safe transport to the ICU.

A current unrestricted medical license as a Physician Assistant is required. 1-2 years of experience in the cardiovascular surgery environment including first assisting and/or vein harvesting is preferred.

• Coordinate care of cardiovascular surgical patients with the Surgeon, Fellow, CV Clinicians and nursing staff.
• Perform in the ICU and Telemetry environments with knowledge of pre- and post-operative care.
• Pull chest tubes, arterial lines, IVs, Swan-Ganz catheters as determined by the CV team or independently.
• Write orders for medications and treatments as necessary to facilitate post-operative care.
• Dictate discharge summaries in a timely manner to facilitate discharge.
• Perform delegated medical tasks as necessary (e.g., chest tube placement) in emergency situations.
• Provide patient care in outpatient settings as needed.
• Coordinate inpatient care and assist in directing post-operative nursing care; perform patient assessments and manage or direct medication and treatment orders; assist with discharge planning.
• Possibly support CV surgeons at multiple hospital sites. Off-premise call and weekend rounding are typically expected.

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Completion of and certification in an accredited Physician Assistant program

• Licensure/Registration/Certification:
  Licensed as a Physician Assistant by the State of Minnesota; NCCPA certified

• Education:
  
  None
• Experience:
  
  1-2 years of cardiovascular surgery OR experience including first assisting and/or vein harvesting
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  None specified beyond role requirements
• Licensure/Registration/Certification:
  None specified beyond minimum

The CV Physician Assistant primarily assists cardiovascular surgeons in caring for cardio-thoracic patients in the operating room and postoperatively on nursing units. In the OR and units, the CV-PA initiates vein harvest, closes leg incisions, and assists as needed in the chest. On inpatient units, coordinates patient care, directs post-operative nursing care, and performs or directs tasks such as pulling tubes/lines and dictating discharge summaries.

May be required to support CV surgeons at multiple hospital sites. Off-premise call and weekend rounding are typically expected.

50% Time:
Coordination of care with surgeons, fellows, clinicians and nursing staff; knowledge of current pre- and post-operative care in ICU/Telemetry; performs tasks such as chest tube removal and placement, arterial lines, IVs; writes orders; dictates discharge summaries; performs delegated medical tasks in emergencies; sees patients in outpatient settings; provides education to inpatient and surgical staff.

10% Time:
Education and patient/family communication; obtain informed consent as needed.

10% Time:
Establishes collaborative working relationships across the health care team; responds to consultation requests; guides patient care within PA scope; handles conflict professionally.

10% Time:
Communicates patient care information timely and effectively; serves as liaison between patient/family, health care team, and physician; participates in team conferences and family meetings.

10% Time:
Problem solving; maintains knowledge of regulatory influences; participates in clinical problem solving and sets priorities; uses critical thinking and appropriate lines of authority.

5% Time:
Organizational participation and adherence to ethical standards; maintains accountability and compliance with policies; performs other duties as necessary to meet patient needs.

5% Time:
Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and certifications; participates in ongoing education and professional activities.

Organizational values include Excellence, Compassion, Partnership, and Integrity. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity and inclusion efforts.

Health Partners benefit offerings (for 0.3750 FTE or greater) include medical and dental insurance, 401k with company contribution and match, paid time off, life/AD&D insurance, disability insurance, malpractice coverage for Health Partners work, and CEU reimbursement. The clinician well-being program provides resources for physicians, APCs and dentists. Health…