Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Position Overview

Incentives: $2,000 allowance per year for CME opportunities

Shifts: 8-hour shifts, Monday - Friday

Benefits and perks available for eligible positions include: robust educational assistance programs, generous paid time off, employee assistance and wellness programs, paid parental leave, qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, plus more.

Job Highlights

The Advanced Practice Provider will function as an autonomous provider supporting the inpatient neurosurgery patient population. This position provides care for high-acuity postoperative spinal and cranial neurosurgical patients throughout the inpatient setting. Responsibilities include rounding on postoperative patients, completing admissions and discharges, independently staffing inpatient neurosurgical consults, managing acutely decompensating patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, and coordinating preoperative and postoperative care protocols, including evaluations, order entry, and discharge planning. The APP will collaborate closely with neurosurgical faculty, the multidisciplinary care team, and ancillary staff to ensure comprehensive patient care. This role features no on-call, weekend, or holiday shift requirements. The preferred certifications for this role include Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.

Job Description

To provide medical care and treatment within established scope of practice to surgical patients as assigned by and under the direction of the collaborating physician (Section 610-X-5 of the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code) or under supervision of a Board-Certified Physician (Section 540-X-7 of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Administrative Code). The collaborating physician shall be available for direct communication for consultation and referral or arrange for the same medical coverage by a physician who is pre-approved by the State Board of Medical Examiners in the same manner as the collaborating physician of record. To coordinate plan of care, discharge and specialty referrals as appropriate to meet the age specific needs of the patient. To plan and coordinate health care education for patient, family and other health care providers as needed. To perform comprehensive physical examinations and assessments. To interpret, analyze and evaluate patient’s medical record and social data. To perform and/or assist the physician with procedures per collaborative agreement. To coordinate and participate in performance improvement activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. 1. Based on thorough physical and psychosocial patient assessments, formulates and implements comprehensive patient care plans focused on surgical interventions. Plans include patient and family education, prescriptions, additional lab and diagnostic testing, and therapies.
2. 2. Ensures complete documentation of patient assessments, patient care plans, and care provided.
3. 3. Orders and interprets laboratory and other diagnostic tests for the patient.
4. 4. Maintains records and reports as required by regulatory agencies and The Joint Commission (TJC). May coordinate and/or participate in performance and quality improvement activities.
5. 5. May assist in the coordination of research protocols, serving as a patient advocate and a liaison between the patient and other health care providers.
6. 6. Provides assistance in orientation and/or training of new clinical personnel as needed. Provides educational information by conducting workshops, in-service training and distributing appropriate materials for patients and staff.
7. 7. Serves as the expert clinical resource to clinical staff and patients in the area of specialty.
8. 8. Provides a safe environment for patients and others.
9. 9. Demonstrates a responsible attitude toward continued professional growth.
10. 10. Performs other duties as assigned.

To coordinate and participate in performance improvement activities.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Nursing with an Acute Care NP certification or graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:
Currently certified as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) Specialty by the Alabama Board of Nursing or licensed as a Physician Assistant by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners with certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants required. Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) is required or should be obtained within 30 days of employment. Depending on the unit/department, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and/or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) may be required.

Why Work at UAB Medicine

We are UAB Medicine, Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive health system, recognized nationally for delivering world-class patient care, pioneering research, and cutting-edge medical education. We proudly serve more than 1.2 million patients each year – from every county in Alabama, all 50 states, and many countries around the world. Our network spans numerous hospitals, emergency departments, many other sites of care, and a team of over 2,000 physicians. Our key facilities include UAB Hospital – ranked the No. 1 hospital in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report and home to the state’s first ACS-verified Level I adult trauma center and only Magnet-designated hospital – along with UAB Hospital-Callahan Eye and five UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals serving central Alabama.

UAB Medicine offers careers across a wide range of practice environments, from our internationally renowned academic medical center and award-winning community hospitals to our primary and specialty care clinics across the state. Whether you’re seeking the fast-paced learning environment of a tertiary care setting or the close-knit environment of a community facility, there’s a place for you on our team where you can become part of a mission-driven organization committed to delivering life-changing care. With nearly every medical specialty represented and unlimited opportunities for growth, you’ll find the right fit for your skills and career goals. We care for you by offering comprehensive, industry-leading benefit packages to support the individual preferences and circumstances of our diverse staff