Thoracic Advanced Practice Provider; CNP​/PA-C SMS

The Physician Assistant/Certified Nurse Practitioner is a member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for the evaluation and treatment of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Utilizing advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, the Physician Assistant/Certified Nurse Practitioner acts as a clinician, coordinator, consultant, educator, leader and researcher.

• I. Clinical 70%
  • Coordinates delivery of care for patients seen in the cardiothoracic surgery clinic with physicians and other health care professionals. Provides clinic nursing care and delegation of clinical duties to LPNs and MAs while in clinic. This care may include but not be limited to obtaining patient histories, assisting with portions of physical examinations, administering medications, providing wound care, performing other nursing procedures and documenting nursing functions appropriately.
  • Assesses, utilizing physical assessment skills, and documents the needs of patients and family members.
  • Participates in, plans, develops, organizes and evaluates the programs in cardiothoracic surgery for continuity of care.
  • Develops, implements and reviews medical and nursing protocols relating to cardiothoracic surgery patients from referring institutions.
  • Participates in the interpretation of assessment data in order to determine actual or potential problems.
  • Assists in the formulation of plan of care with physicians and other health care professionals.
  • Plans, implements and evaluates nursing interventions based on assessed needs.
  • Facilitates continuity of care through the referral of patients and contacts the referring physicians with both phone contact and follow-up letters.
  • Acts as a patient and family advocate using the nursing process and problem solving techniques.
  • Rounds on hospitalized patients to assure the transition of patients between hospital, home and outpatient care.
  • Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Reports actual or potential risk management situations utilizing the hospital notification system.
  • Performs minor procedures in the clinic as instructed by the surgeon.
  • Provides consultations on inpatients.
  • Assists physician with diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures performed during outpatient visit.
  • Participates in the control and utilization of patient care supplies and equipment in a cost effective manner. Follows SIU Health Care procedures to capture patient charges for supplies and procedures.
  • Performs clinic laboratory testing and procedural testing according to clinic protocols. Reports findings to physician and records on patient medical record.
  • Organizes clinic patient flow and revises as necessary to maximize physician productivity and minimize patient wait times.
  • Schedules follow-up patient activities including radiology studies, surgical procedures and other testing as ordered by the MD.
  • Prepares for upcoming clinics by obtaining history from referring physician, pertinent radiologic studies, laboratory results, and operative reports when appropriate.
  • Communicates with call center, patients, families and other healthcare professionals.
  • Uses critical thinking skills to triage patient care priorities for patient phone calls and needs.
  • Acts as liaison between healthcare facilities and other specialty agencies.
  • Independently runs an outpatient clinic.
• II. Teaching/Education 15%
  • Provides patient and family education based on assessed need regarding the diagnosis, treatment, protocols and diagnostic testing in the area of cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Teaches patients and family members on necessary post‑op care and necessary prevention activities.
  • Develops, reviews, and evaluates a wide range of patient educational material related to the area of health relating to cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Provides orientation to daily clinic activities and training for nursing personnel, students and residents.
  • Assists with instruction of secretaries in the provision of patient activities.
  • Functions as resource person for general public requesting information regarding assigned Division and SIU Department of Surgery as a whole.
  • Provides and participates in professional educational activities related to cardiothoracic surgery patients.
  • Completes annual training and competencies.
• III. Research 5%
  • Applies a scientific process to advance the service provided to patients.
  • Participates with the physicians and data manager in the enrollment and maintenance of patients on designated research protocols related to health and prevention.
  • Through appropriate committees, initiates and participates in nursing and interdisciplinary research.
  • Participates with nursing and other colleagues in the publication of approved research findings.
• IV. Consultant/Change Agent 5%
  • Recognizes and utilizes opportunities to function as a change agent by recommending and introducing practice innovations.
  • Applies the total quality management process to plan and implement change.
  • Utilizes advanced knowledge to act as a consultant to nurses and other members of the health care team regarding complex…