PRN Cardiothoracic NP​/PA 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.

NOTE:

This position is ON SITE only.

• A. 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 LPN's and MA's 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.
• B. Assesses, utilizing physical assessment skills, and documents the needs of patients and family members.
• C. Participates in, plans, develops, organizes and evaluates the programs in cardiothoracic surgery for continuity of care.
• D. Develops, implements and reviews medical and nursing protocols relating to cardiothoracic surgery patients from referring institutions.
• E. Participates in the interpretation of assessment data in order to determine actual or potential problems.
• F. 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.
• G. Facilitates continuity of care through the referral of patients and contacts the referring physicians with both phone contact and follow-up letters.
• H. Acts as a patient and family advocate using the nursing process and problem solving techniques.
• I. Rounds on hospitalized patients in order to assure the transition of patients between hospital, home and outpatient care.
• J. Responds appropriately in emergency situations.
• K. Reports actual or potential risk management situations utilizing the hospital notification system.
• L. Performs minor procedures in the clinic as instructed by the surgeon.
• M. Provides consultations on inpatients.
• N. Performs clinic laboratory testing and procedural testing according to clinic protocols. Reports findings to physician and records on patient medical record.
• O. Schedules follow-up patient activities including radiology studies, surgical procedures and other testing as ordered by the MD.
• P. Uses critical thinking skills to triage patient care priorities for patient phone calls and needs.
• Q. Acts as liaison between healthcare facilities and other specialty agencies.

• A. Provides patient and family education based on assessed need regarding the diagnosis, treatment, protocols and diagnostic testing in the area of cardiothoracic surgery.
• B. Teaches patients and family members on necessary post‑op care and necessary prevention activities.
• C. Provides and participates in professional educational activities related to cardiothoracic surgery patients.
• D. Completes annual training and competencies.

• A. Initiates and participates in the development of standards and policies regarding patient care through participation on appropriate committees.
• B. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional status.
• C. Promotes positive interpersonal relationships and demonstrates effective communication methods.

• Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.
• Successful completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program or physician assistant program.
• Passing score on national certifying examination.
• Licensed in the State of Illinois (or eligible for licensure).