APP Cardiac Surgery

Job Description

Provide care to patients including assessment, comprehensive evaluation, interpretation of diagnostic data, and coordination of patient plans of care.

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s clinical pathways (for appropriate area of practice) and applicable clinical policies and procedures.

Initiates medical orders including, but not limited to, orders for prescribing and dispensing certain medications within the PA/NP scope of practice as defined by applicable state law and established hospital protocols.

Participates in call coverage with the cardiac surgeons and other advanced practice providers as assigned.

Arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to case start time to assist with prepping and draping.

Completes and/or assists with procedures including but not limited to endoscopic harvesting of saphenous vein(s) for bypass procedures, tissue dissection and exposure, sternal wiring and wound closure, cannulation and decannulation, placement of drains, placement and removal of small bore chest tubes, placement of central lines, provision of hemostasis, wound exposure, handling of tissue to reduce possible injury, suturing, and application of wound dressings.

As directed, make daily inpatient rounds and record pertinent patient progress in charts.

Write orders in hospital charts for review and counter signature by surgeon.

Write standing orders as directed by supervising surgeon.

Record pertinent data on patient charts for signature by surgeon.

Initiate consultation and monitor patients for special tests.

Dictate or write progress notes and discharge summaries.

As needed, perform postoperative follow-up care inpatient and ambulatory to include:

• Remove sutures, staples
• Incise and drain superficial skin infections
• Debride, suture care for superficial wounds
• Change/remove wound dressings
• Administer medication upon request of supervising surgeon
• Initiate emergency resuscitation and stabilization measures on any patient as required
• Change postoperative or neckline dressings

Provide patient education and discharge instructions.

Arrange patient admissions and dismissals to include referral of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities, agencies, other resources in the community or other physicians.

Communicates with families, employers, institutions and other health care providers regarding patient’s treatment and status.

Planning/Organizing/Initiating

Organize and prioritize clinical responsibilities to maximize time, efficiency, and productivity.

Implement and evaluate progress toward goals for prescribed plan of care based on protocols/guidelines/pathways.

Provide patient care information to staff and collaborate with supervising physician(s) about the patient’s progress.

Communication

Maintain effective verbal and written communication skills with all members of the healthcare team to promote continuity of care.

Documentation in the patient’s medical record regarding all treatments and interventions is clear, concise and completed in a timely manner.

Interactions with all health care professionals are conducted in a professional manner.

Keep hospital staff/management informed of pertinent information.

Provide educational sessions / mentorship for facility staff as needed.

Effectively communicates with patient family/significant other in a professional manner.

Demonstrates excellent customer service skills with patients, visitors, and healthcare team.

Health and Safety

Maintain a safe work environment, which is conducive to and complies with all state, federal, and facility and regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.

Maintain a current collaborative practice agreement with applicable physician(s).

Adhere to HIPAA guidelines, professional code of ethics and appropriate billing practices in executing role.

Participates in the quality improvement activities and community education.

Education, Credentials, Licenses

• (PA-C) Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program; meets the requirement for certification/re-certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in appropriate specialty area.
• Licensure as a Physician Assistant in the state where work is being performed; completion of CME requirements.
• Requires Certificate of Authority and Standard Care Arrangement with collaborating physician to practice as a physician assistant.
• St. Elizabeth Medical Staff Membership & Privileges.
• DEA Certificate with prescribing/dispensing privileges in the state where work is being performed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• (APRN) Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program- Master’s degree in nursing with National Nurse Practitioner Certification in appropriate specialty area.
• Licensure as a Nurse Practitioner in the state where work is being performed including completion of CME requirements.
• Successfull completion of an RNFA program and associated proctoring.
• Requires Certificate of Authority and Standard Care Arrangement with collaborating physician to practice as a nurse practitioner.
• St. Elizabeth Medical Staff Membership & Privileges.
• DEA Certificate with prescribing/dispensing privileges in the state where work is being performed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Knowledge

Expert knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and operative techniques.

Experience with suturing and wound closure.

Knowledge of tissue dissection/exposure, blood vessel clamping, coagulating bleeding points, ligation of vessels, saphenectomy procedures, and drain placement.

Knowledge of intra-aortic balloon pump and ventricular assist device insertion techniques.

Kind And Length Of Experience

Two years of a variety of clinical experiences including acute care, surgery, and ambulatory settings.