Cardiothoracic Midlevel Provider (Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant)

Summary

• Position Summary
  • The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for assuring quality care and best practice for select cardiothoracic patients under the direct supervision of a physician. In particular, the PA will ensure patients receive appropriate and timely assessments, treatments, education, and disposition to support the quality initiatives of the cardiothoracic service line which reflects best practice. This objective includes, but is not limited to, the CMS, ACC, and top performers initiative. Documentation of care will support care given. The PA will work with the hospital staff to facilitate throughput for patient flow and timely discharge. Physician Assistants (PA) may perform his/her duties at St. Joseph’s/Candler health system where the physician regularly sees patients. He/she is not precluded from performing any functions delegated by the supervising physician which is included in the collaborative practice agreements and is consistent with the Physician Assistant qualifications. Supervision means overseeing the activities of, and accepting the responsibility for, the medical services rendered by a Physician Assistant. The supervising physician need not be physically present at the time of the services but shall be immediately available by telecommunications and within reasonable travel distance to assume personal care. Physician Assistants are expected to understand and comply with all current laws, rules and regulations which govern the practice of Physician Assistants in the State of Georgia and will be acknowledging this by affixing their signature on the Physician Assistant practice application. Physician Assistants may gather a database on select cardiothoracic patients, which may include a complete medical history and physical examination and medical record review. He/she may order the appropriate initial diagnostic studies and initiate and transcribe orders under the direct order of the physician. Physician Assistants will be responsible for transmitting that effectively communicating that information orally or through notation in the patient's medical record, to the supervising physician for review and to the St. Joseph’s/Candler health system staff providing care to the patients and family. Physician Assistants may order/select a dangerous drug or controlled substance or order medical treatments or diagnostic studies in any health care setting in accordance with Rule 360-5-.07(8). Physician Assistants, if qualified by training and experience as determined by the supervising physician, may perform medical treatments, diagnostic procedures, or tasks as delegated by the supervising physician which fall within the scope of the collaborative practice agreements with the supervising physician. Physician Assistants shall be on-call with their supervising physician(s) and return to the hospital within 30 minutes of notification for urgent/emergent situations. In a life threatening emergency situation, when the supervising physician is not present, the Physician Assistant may initiate appropriate evaluation and treatment. Physician Assistants shall be at all times properly identified as a Physician Assistant and shall wear a clearly legible identification name tag with the words "Physician Assistant" as required under Rule 360-5-.07(6). Physician Assistants may carry out a prescription drug or device order in any health care setting in accordance with Rule 360-5-.12. Physician Assistants shall attend professional education programs to keep current with accepted changes in practice and to satisfy continuing education requirements of the State.
• Education
  • Bachelors - Required
• Experience
  • 1 Year Cardiology - Required
• License & Certification
  • Professional Certification - Required
• Core Job Functions
  • Obtains a complete history and physical on new patients. Charts and dictates progress notes appropriately. Confers with physician on patients presenting with more complex problems.
  • Prescribes medications that are necessary to control medical condition. Refers patient to specialist when necessary. Orders lab work, radiology studies as needed to better assess the patient's condition.
  • Assist in surgery both in an in-patient and out-patient setting. Performs procedures as directed by Cardiologist/Surgeon.
  • Works up new patients to include admissions, consults and discharge summaries. Rounds on patients as directed by the Cardiologist/Surgeon and effectively communicates plan of care and results to patient and families.
  • Reviews all lab and radiology reports and consult notes and reviews with physician when a question arises. Notifies patient of test results.
  • Performs minor surgical procedures. Performs stress testing and EKGs, and consults with physicians on results.