Job Description

The Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Regions Hospital is seeking a casual Physician Assistant. Being a part of our team means you will have an impact on the care that our patients receive every day. 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. Currently, call responsibility is 1 in 4, on average. Specifically, in the operating room, the CV-PA will be responsible for positioning of the patient, endoscopic vein harvest, first assisting the surgeon at the chest, wound closure and assisting with safe transport to the ICU. The position requires a current unrestricted medical license as a Physician Assistant. 1-2 years of experience preferred in the cardiovascular surgery (OR) environment which includes First Assisting and/or vein harvesting.

You will be joining a team that is supportive and respectful of one another and deeply committed to the mission of HealthPartners. Here, you’ll become a partner for good, helping to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members and community. Our commitment to excellence, compassion, partnership and integrity is behind everything we do. It’s the type of work that makes a difference, the kind of work you can be proud of. We hope you’ll join us.

For more information about the position or to apply, please contact Kevin Noth, Clinician & APC Recruiter at kevin.d.noth@healthpartners.com. For immediate consideration, please apply online.

Criteria Based Job Description

Job Title: Physician Assistant-CV

Reports to: Director Cardiovascular Svc Line

Job Code: 800780

Approved by: Director Cardiovascular Svc Line

Department: Cardiovascular Surgery RHSC

Approval Date: December 2020

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Completion of and certification in an accredited Physician Assistant program

Experience:

None

Knowledge, Skills

& Abilities:

• Ability to perform as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with peers, students and other health care personnel
• Ability to work dependently and independently
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks and prioritizes appropriately
• Knowledge of personal computers and appropriate software.
• Ability to access and analyze pertinent information in order to make care decisions
• Ability to First and Second assist (harvest veins)

Licensure/

Registration/

Certification:

• Licensed as a Physician Assistant by the State of Minnesota
• NCCPA certified

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: None

Experience: 1-2 years of experience preferred in the cardiovascular surgery (OR) environment which includes First Assisting and/or vein harvesting

Knowledge, Skills

& Abilities: None

Licensure/

Registration/

Certification: None

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The CV Physician Assistant is primarily responsible for assisting the cardiovascular surgeons in the care of cardio thoracic patients in the operating room, and post operatively on the nursing units. In the operating room and on the nursing units, the CV-PA will first assist the surgeon by initiating vein harvest, closing the leg incision and second assisting the surgeon as needed in the chest.

On the inpatient nursing unit, the CV-PA will coordinate the patients care and assist the surgeon in directing the post-operative nursing care for these patients. The major functions in this environment consist of patient assessment, writing medication and treatment orders and performing, or directing specific tasks. Among these tasks are pulling tubes/lines and dictating discharge summaries.

The CV Physician Assistant may be required to support the CV surgeons at multiple hospital sites performing the duties noted above. Off premise call and weekend rounding will typically be expected in this position.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND TASKS:

Percentage

Of Time:

1.

The Physician Assistant in Cardiovascular Services is responsible for the coordination of care of cardiovascular patients.

50%

1. Coordinates the management of care with the Surgeon, Fellow, CV Clinicians and nursing staff for CV surgical patients.
2. Maintains knowledge of current pre & post-operative care in the ICU and Telemetry environment.
3. Pulls chest tubes, a-lines, IV’s, Swan Ganz catheters as determined by CV team, or independently.
4. Writes orders for medications and treatments as necessary to facilitate post-operative care.
5. Dictates discharge summaries in a timely manner to facilitate discharge.
6. Performs delegated medical tasks as necessary (i.e. chest tube placement) in emergency situations.
7. See patients as needed in the outpatient setting

2.

Provides education to and is a resource for the inpatient and surgical services staff.

10%

1. Explains procedures to nursing staff to assist in care planning
2. Provides patients/families with explanations of treatments to assist in decision making / informed consent process.
3. Obtains informed consent as needed.

3.

Establishes and Maintains effective, collaborative working relationships with other members of the health care team across the organization.

10%

1. Routinely discusses and collaborates with physicians and other members of the health care team regarding the patients’ plan of care.
2. Responds to requests for consultation in a timely and effective manner in order to provide for patient care needs.
3. Demonstrates understanding of collaborative relationships by appropriately identifying and directing patient care within the scope of practice for a Physicians Assistant.
4. Deals with conflict, or confrontation in a professional manner.

4.

Communicates information regarding patient care in a timely and effective manner.

10%

1. Functions as liaison between patient/family and other health care team members

and the physician.

1. Verbal and written communication is complete, accurate, and timely.
2. Initiates and/or participates in team conferences, family meetings, etc.
3. Deals with conflict and confrontation in a respectful and professional manner.

5.

Effectively problem solves

10%

1. Maintains knowledge of regulatory influences (CMS, JCAHO) and applies those standards to clinical practice.
2. Is open to changing priorities, adjusts work accordingly.
3. As assigned, participates and leads groups for the purpose of clinical problem solving.
4. Sets priorities.
5. Uses critical thinking skills.
6. Utilizes appropriate lines of authority.

6.

Participates as an effective organizational member.

5%

1. Adheres to high ethical and professional standards, shows respect for and to others.
2. Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her actions and decisions.
3. Complies with work rules, standards and policies.
4. Performs other duties as necessary to meet the needs of the patient.

7.

Maintains and updates clinical knowledge including certification(s) as appropriate (e.g. BLS, ACLS, NALS).

5%

1. Regularly updates self with new information, policies/procedures.
2. Maintains knowledge of regulatory influences and applies those standards to clinical practice.
3. Improves/expands clinical expertise through reading, attending in-services, conferences, etc.
4. Completes annual required education.
5. Participates in local/national professional organizations.
6. Keeps current in clinical and educational practice issues both regionally and nationally through networking, reading and dialogue.
7. Maintains own professional competency, certification and visibility.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Values

All team members are expected to demonstrate our values:

Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve.

Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person.

Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve.

Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments.

We are committed to living our values. That means our patients and families can expect certain things from each of us:

They can expect us to be their partner and treat them with dignity and respect. They can expect us to listen carefully and give good, timely information. They can expect us to do our best to provide affordable, coordinated, high quality care and services that are easy to find and simple to use. They can expect safe, clean spaces. And they can expect that we will do our very best to earn their trust by being open and honest, and keeping our word.

Additional Expectations:

• Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues and promotes a safe work environment.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance
• Protects confidentiality
• Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures.
• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e. licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

X Yes

     No

Does this employee have direct patient contact? If yes, age-specific competency checklist MUST be attached.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

The CV Physician Assistant has no formal leadership responsibilities. However, he/she is accountable for coordinating and directing the OR staff in the absence of the surgeon.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work environment includes: office, operating room and clinical nursing care units.

Office/OR/Nursing Unit Environment: Stands 4-6 hours and walks 2-4 hours daily while performing duties. May view a computer screen for up to 2 hours a day. Lifts, pushes, pulls training equipment up to 50lbs. Must be able to transport self throughout the hospital. Must be able to perform tasks requiring fine motor and hand/eye coordination.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Office Environment: May be exposed to printer/copier cartridges, no extreme conditions.

OR/Patient Care Unit: May be exposed to hazardous substances, harmful physical agents, and infectious agents that exist in the patient care area in the performance of duties. In the operating room, may be exposed to sharps, anesthesia gasses and radiation (x-ray).

EQUIPMENT:

Office Environment: Computer, fax, printer, copy machine and other office machines, audiovisual equipment.

Operating Room/Patient Care Unit: Needles, syringes, cautery, OR beds, other surgical instrumentation, vital sign monitors, pacemakers, chest drainage systems, and hemodynamic lines.

At HealthPartners we believe in the power of good – good deeds and good people working together. As part of our team, you’ll find an inclusive environment that encourages new ways of thinking, celebrates differences, and recognizes hard work.

We’re a nonprofit, integrated health care organization, providing health insurance in six states and high-quality care at more than 90 locations, including hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We bring together research and education through HealthPartners Institute, training medical professionals across the region and conducting innovative research that improve lives around the world.

At HealthPartners, everyone is welcome, included and valued. We’re working together to increase diversity and inclusion in our workplace, advance health equity in care and coverage, and partner with the community as advocates for change.

Benefits Designed to Support Your Total Health

As a HealthPartners colleague, we’re committed to nurturing your diverse talents, valuing your dedication, and supporting your work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support every aspect of your life, including health, time off, retirement planning, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to help you thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so you can continue delivering exceptional care.

Join us in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients, members, and communities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.