Sr. Physician Assistant - UCD Heart Center

About the role

This position reports directly to the Heart Center Advanced Practice Nurse Manager. As a member of the Cardiothoracic Surgery team, the Senior Physician Assistant (PA) is an expert in the perioperative management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic procedures and participates in the medical management of this population across the spectrum of care.

Responsibilities

• Under Delineation of Practice - 75%
• Communication and Collaboration - 10%
• Ledership/Problem Solving/Critical Thinking - 10%
• Professional Development/Education - 5%

Requirements

• California Licensed Physicians Assistant (PA)
• Valid Physician Assistant license to practice under the Physician Assistant Act in the state of California.
• National certification (NCCAP) as a Physician Assistant
• Eligible for hospital credentialing.
• Controlled Substances Education Course certificate of successful completion.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Certified ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
• 3 years experience as first assist in cardiac surgery with endoscopic vein harvesting.
• Endoscopic vein harvesting experience required.
• Demonstrated competency at an advance practice level with ability to meet role specific Senior PA Performance Standards.
• Demonstrated ability for positive interaction with medical/nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Advanced knowledge of medical billing procedures and policies and ability to document medical records appropriately.
• Ability to assist in operations, performing tasks under direct supervision of the attending surgeon.
• Ability to use medical terminology in the evaluation of conditions in order to obtain an accurate history and perform an appropriate physical exam.
• In-depth knowledge of UCDMC processes, policies and procedures.
• Organizational skills to work on several projects simultaneously and to effectively respond to crises using strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Ability to multi-task, work accurately and quickly under pressure, handle large workloads, set priorities and organize work independently and for others.
• Consistent level of high performance and ability to positively influence change.
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality.
• Ability to cope with stress in dealing with patients, caretakers, team members, and other professionals.
• Ability to interpret the significance of laboratory and radiological tests.
• Ability to gather data, possess computer skills, knowledge of research methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must write legibly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients.
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist in moving patients.
• Must see well enough to read gauges and identify injuries.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and must be able to wear radiation safety apparel for extended periods of time when performing duties within the radiation environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of information systems.
• Knowledge of clinical quality improvement processes and ability to engage and direct the performance improvement process.
• Ability to understand complex instructions and process complex information and data sets.
• Verbal communication skills adequate to relay appropriate information to various levels internally and externally.
• Analytical skills to effectively research and participate in the decision-making process regarding clinical issues.
• Tact and diplomacy skills to interact with a broad spectrum of employees, resource people, and administrators.
• Ability to provide after hours on-call coverage including in-house night call, weekend and holiday call.
• Ability to teach a variety of subjects relevant to clinical practice.
• Knowledge and ability to evaluate the educational needs of clinicians, to implement appropriate education theories/concepts and methods, to develop and administer training programs, and to evaluate educational outcomes.
• Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills and proven ability to set aggressive goals and timelines and meet them.

Skills

• Ability to perform CPR and respond to emergencies using ACLS & PALS protocols as needed.
• Ability to assist in operations, performing tasks under direct supervision of the attending surgeon.
• Ability to use medical terminology in the evaluation of conditions in order to obtain an accurate history and perform an appropriate physical exam.
• Ability to gather data, possess computer skills, knowledge of research methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must write legibly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients.
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs. and assist in moving patients.
• Must see well enough to read gauges and identify injuries.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and must be able to wear radiation safety apparel for extended periods of time when performing duties within the radiation environment.