JOB SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will assist the surgeon during thoracic or cardiovascular operations by performing duties such as tissue retraction, insertion of tubes and intravenous lines, or closure of surgical wounds. Perform preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate patient care.

The Physician Assistant should demonstrate an advanced level of medical knowledge, clinical and technical competency, sound clinical judgment, professionalism as it relates to interpersonal and general communication skills, timely and compliant documentation, and take responsibility for ongoing professional development and competency validation .

Responsibilities

• Assist various cardiac procedures including emergency procedures demonstrating versatility and competency.
• Must anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and other team members, with respect to the requirements of a particular surgical procedure.
• Under physician supervision, will be expected to drape the patient within the surgeon’s guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in retracting tissues per surgeon’s directive.
• Use of electrocautery, clamps, ligation, and cutting of tissue.
• Assist and/or placement of drains and drainage sutures. Closure of all wound layers ( fascia, subcutaneous, skin ) as per surgeon’s directive.
• Procurement/harvest of saphenous vein and/or radial artery by endoscopic method as well as open method. Prepare vein or artery for use as a conduit with clips, ties and/or suture.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs, anesthesia levels, and physiological responses throughout the procedure.
• Assist in the closure of all surgical sites and application of dressings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique in relation to procedure
• Knowledge of CPR or open cardiac massage and other such procedures as requested
• Obtain necessary CEUs to maintain certification
• Assists in transfer and positioning of patients as directed by surgeon or circulating nurse
• Handles various pharmaceutical agents on the field as added by physicians under the direction of the registered nurse
• Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conduct
• Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Other job duties as assigned
• Provide comprehensive care in a medical practice/clinical setting in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary healthcare team.
• Coordinate education needs of patients and families.
• Facilitate and coordinate discharge planning.
• Communicate with surgeons and referring providers about care rendered and/or management plans.
• Submit timely and accurate billing for services rendered.
• Serve as a resource for nursing staff and other members of the health care team.
• Actively participate in conferences and presentations as well as other staff education including, but not limited to, quality improvement initiatives as directed.
• Participate in research activities in areas related to clinical specialty.
• Participate in clinical data extraction.
• Maintain currency with all required compliance training programs and a commitment to professional growth and competency as a certified PA.
• Maintain currency with all hospital privileges, licensures, and certifications.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Previous professional experience in cardiothoracic surgery preferred

Licensure:

• Must hold or obtain a valid Physician Assistant license in Kentucky.

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (required)