In this role, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) will receive comprehensive training to develop expertise in assessing various organ systems from a perioperative perspective. They will apply knowledge of basic physiology and pathophysiology across neurology, cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology/nephrology, rheumatology, hematology, and common infectious diseases. APPs will become proficient in managing perioperative medication adjustments, including the holding or bridging of high-risk medications such as blood thinners, chemotherapy agents, biologics/DMARDs, steroids, and insulins.
Additionally, APPs will order and interpret advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostics, including cardiac stress tests, carotid ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). They will gain skills in EKG interpretation and the management of preoperative abnormal lab results. The role involves extensive care coordination, including appropriate referrals to primary care providers or specialists for further evaluation as needed. APPs will communicate effectively with patients' other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care.
Training will also cover the management of implanted electronic devices (such as cardiac devices and other implants) during surgery, including collaboration with device representatives when necessary. APPs will learn to evaluate and manage preoperative anemia, coordinating care with gastroenterology and hematology specialists as well as administering IV iron when appropriate. They will also master problem-oriented charting in EPIC, utilizing shared smart phrases and dot phrases for efficient documentation.
While prior anesthesia-specific knowledge is not required, it is preferred. This includes understanding various anesthetic methods (general, regional, nerve blocks, MAC), typical patient positioning, expected blood loss, degrees of physiological stress during different types of surgery, contraindications for anesthesia, and perioperative fasting guidelines.
Atrium Health Floyd is a system of health care providers serving Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama since 1942. Located in Rome, Georgia, it is Floyd County’s largest employer with over 3,400 employees. It is a part of the Atrium Health system.
Floyd Medical Center is a 304-bed, full-service hospital located in Rome, Georgia. Serving as the main campus for Atrium Health Floyd, the hospital contains a certified Chest Pain Center, designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence and Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.
Floyd Medical Center is also home to a state-designated Level II Trauma Center, a behavioral health center, specialty centers for pediatrics, wound care, and hyperbaric therapy. It houses primary care and urgent care networks of providers and hosts a realm of outpatient services, including the operation of the Floyd County Clinic and an associated pharmacy for uninsured patients.
Atrium Health, part of Advocate Health, is redefining how, when and where care is delivered. We are rethinking methods of care delivery to reach more people and bringing human kindness to every step of their health journey. Our dedication to elevating health care for every individual, every teammate and every community is unwavering. We won't stop until everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from – has the possibility to live well. And because of this, we are redefining why we exist, our purpose as an organization and how we make it happen together as one.
