Physician Assistant: Cardiothoracic Surgery

About the Role

The Physician Assistant (PA-C) provides medical care, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions to patients with complex, acute, and chronic health conditions under the supervision of a Physician (as per O.R.C. 4730). This role operates in various clinical settings, including inpatient and outpatient practices, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment of acute and chronic health problems.

Responsibilities

• Assess health status by obtaining relevant health and medical history and performing physical exams based on age and patient history.
• Identify significant health and medical risk factors.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory tests and diagnostic studies to assess patient clinical problems and healthcare needs.
• Develop diagnoses by analyzing and synthesizing collected data.
• Create treatment plans in collaboration with patients, significant others, and the supervising physician.
• Perform diagnostic or therapeutic interventions consistent with certification, Ohio law, and Akron Children’s Hospital privileges.
• Prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by prescriptive authority through the Ohio Board of Medicine and hospital policy.
• Develop and implement patient education plans.
• Collaborate with nursing, medical, and other healthcare team members to ensure quality patient care.
• Serve as a clinical preceptor for PA students when applicable.
• Participate in quality monitoring through bi-annual reviews of records and treatment plans for patient outcomes (FPPE and OPPE) as part of Joint Commission requirements.

Inpatient Responsibilities

• Provide medical care to patients with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions, including acute care services.
• Practice with specialty-based populations, including neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients.
• Work in high-acuity care settings requiring complex monitoring, therapies, and continuous vigilance.
• Identify patient and family needs for discharge, including education, equipment, home care, transportation, or referrals.
• Write prescriptions within scope of practice and communicate appropriately with primary care physicians.
• Select and order appropriate tests under physician guidance.
• Write and cosign orders in patient charts as needed.
• Participate in emergency treatment and triage.
• Maintain confidentiality of all department and patient matters.
• Communicate with families using written materials and videos when appropriate.
• Competently assist or perform treatments and procedures for patients.
• Competently administer medications.

Outpatient Responsibilities

• Emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems.
• Participate in quality monitoring through bi-annual reviews of records and treatment plans (FPPE and OPPE).

Behavioral Competencies

• Evaluate care daily during rounds and document assessments, plans, care provided, teaching, and discharge planning.
• Complete Bureau of Workers’ Compensation forms as required.
• Monitor and intervene to promote patient safety, notify supervisors, and document events appropriately.
• Offer expertise to staff and residents, providing reference materials when appropriate.
• Participate in ongoing education for nurses and physicians through presentations and in-services.
• Assist in developing educational materials.
• Modify practice utilizing current research.
• Maintain membership in the American Burn Association.
• Assist in writing and revising policies and procedures for the Burn Center.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies (preferred) or graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
• Licensed as a Physician Assistant in the State of Ohio.
• Current NCCPA (National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants) certification.
• Supervision Agreement filed, current certificate to practice, and certificate to prescribe (or eligible) by the Ohio Board of Medicine.
• Credentialing as an active member of the medical staff and appropriate medical staff privileges.
• Current Health Care Provider BLS training.
• Individuals hired without an MS Degree or certificate to prescribe must actively pursue and obtain them.
• Excellent critical thinking, self-motivation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Schedule

Full Time, FTE: 1.000000. Onsite status.