Physician Assistant - Cardiovascular Surgery

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assesses patient status by obtaining health history through patient/family interviews and chart review; assesses presenting illness, risk factors, and family history, psychosocial situation, and cultural factors; and performs appropriate physical examination.
2. Orders/performs appropriate laboratory diagnostic and other screening tests; seeks other information as needed, including consultation with other providers and other disciplines, for evaluation of illness.
3. Develops and implements treatment plan by prescribing/dispensing medications and/or injections in compliance with medical practice guidelines and state laws.
4. Instructs patient/family regarding medications and treatments; educate patients regarding health promotion/illness prevention; recommends appropriate community resources to meet patient/family needs; communicates appropriate case management information to other professionals and community agencies.
5. Prepares documentation for medical records including updating patient medical chart by posting examination and test results, diagnosis, medications, and treatment in written/computerized manner.
6. Participates in peer review, chart review, staff education, clinical guideline development, and other continuing education and quality assurance activities to demonstrate compliance with standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
7. Collaborates with physicians in managing acute and long-term medical needs of patient. Provide monitoring and continuity of care between visits according to treatment plan including triaging patient calls/e-mails.
8. Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
9. Actively recruits/screens patients for research projects.

PRACTICE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES (determined by department/clinic requirements)

• Supervise Cardiac Non-invasive Stress Testing
• Perform first assist surgical duties (orthopedic, cardiac, vascular or thoracic)
• Perform Preoperative history and physical examinations
• Assist with call duties (orthopedic, cardiac, vascular and thoracic)
• Perform inpatient rounding
• Perform invasive procedures

CARDIOVASCULAR SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILTIES

• Perform invasive procedures including chest tube insertion, thoracentesis, intra-aortic balloon pump, endoscopic vein harvest, radial artery harvest, exposure of femoral artery, minimal and complex wound closures, and arterial monitoring line
• First assist in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery
• Open chest in ICU emergently if needed
• On call for cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery in addition to returning nurse and patient calls
• Maintain NCCPA certification, DEA license, and state license
• Yearly teaching of OR staff in various topics

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified and employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of medical model and roles of physicians and physician assistants. Familiar with anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnosis
• Knowledge of patient assessment techniques including taking medical histories, performing physicals, evaluating health status including state of wellness, and compliance with care recommendations
• Ability to diagnose and treat complex medical problems, analyze data and develop a plan of care utilizing evidence based medicine
• Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data
• Knowledge of health promotion, health risk identification, and patient education principles and techniques
• Knowledge of community, professional, and educational resources
• Skill in case management, time management, problem solving and crisis intervention
• Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, clinical staff, and the public
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an approved Physician Assistant accredited educational program – accredited by the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association
• Licensed as a Physician’s Assistant by the State of Wyoming
• Current NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants)
• Maintain 100 hours of CME every two years
• Cheyenne Regional RQI within 14 calendar days of start date
• Specialty certifications as required per department/clinic
• Controlled Substance Licensure from the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy
• Federal DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) licensure