Advanced Practice Provider (APRN or PA) - Colon & Rectal Surgery

Join Our Colon & Rectal Surgery Team

The Colon & Rectal Surgical Oncology department at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is a high-volume, fast-paced clinical setting with a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration. Our APP team is deeply integrated into patient care and clinical decision-making and benefits from excellent retention, continuous professional development, and opportunities to lead initiatives in QI, research, and APP-led clinics.

Our department is experiencing rapid growth and offers an exceptional environment for Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). We are committed to ensuring APPs can practice at the top of their license, supported by a collaborative, team-based model that pairs APPs with faculty while still promoting autonomous clinical practice.

We prioritize ongoing professional development, providing access to dedicated APP leadership, structured mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for career advancement. Our culture empowers APPs, values their contributions, and invests in their long-term success.

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public.

Join Our Colon & Rectal Surgery Team as an Inpatient Advanced Practice Provider - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant (APRN/PA).

The ideal candidate is an advanced practice provider who can work autonomously while maintaining a strong team-based approach. Preferred attributes include inpatient experience, an eagerness to manage a complex patient population, a willingness to assist colleagues when needed, a positive attitude, and respectful interactions with patients, families, and staff. Candidates should possess the required education and licensure outlined below and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Salary: Minimum $117,500.00 - Midpoint $146,500.00 - Maximum $176,500.00 Work Location: Onsite The typical work schedule is M-F 6:30a-3:30p for minimum of 6 months, then alternative work schedule (9-80) once fully trained and able to cover colleagues.

Key Responsibilities Patient Assessment & Care Management

• Receive daily sign out from fellows and physician assistants regarding patient care issues and required follow-up
• Round on all first assist cases and follow up on issues affecting patients on the floor
• Assess, triage, and manage patient care needs as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team
• Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations and psychosocial assessments
• Review and interpret physical examination findings, laboratory results, and radiographic studies
• Formulate diagnostic and therapeutic management plans in collaboration with attending physicians
• Manage symptoms, toxicities, and complications related to disease and treatment
• Demonstrate population-based competencies across the continuum of care

Clinical Procedures & Inpatient Management

• Perform procedures, prescribe treatments, and sign prescriptions in accordance with institutional and state requirements
• Manage pre-operative and post-operative patients in coordination with attending physicians and fellows
• Utilize knowledge of cancer pathophysiology, surgical processes, and wound healing in patient management
• Perform admission and discharge responsibilities
• Order consultations, diagnostic testing, and procedures as indicated
• Maintain proficiency in the care and management of Colon and Rectal Surgery patients
• Participate in on-call rotations if needed during institutional shutdown events

Communication & Care Coordination

• Communicate physical findings and pertinent patient information to attending physicians and associated medical staff in a timely manner
• Ensure appropriate patient handoffs to the next level of care
• Facilitate communication among patients, families, physicians, multidisciplinary team members, and external providers
• Educate patients and families regarding care plans, resources, and colorectal oncology treatment
• Screen physician calls and provide education to patients and families
• Communicate verbally and in writing with physicians and multidisciplinary team members

Documentation & Quality of Care

• Document all pertinent information within the medical record in accordance with institutional policy
• Provide patient-focused care through effective communication, personalization of interactions, emotional regulation, and proactive problem solving
• Demonstrate impact on the overall system of care through high-quality clinical practice
• Maintain licensure, certifications, and continuing education requirements
• Participate in ongoing learning and apply newly acquired knowledge within the role

Research & Collaboration

• Participate in clinical research activities and assist with eligibility assessments
• Monitor patients for side effects and toxicities associated with investigational treatments
• Document research-related observations according to protocol requirements
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams in managing colorectal surgery patients across one or multiple department areas
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Required: Degree requirements as defined by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) or Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners (TSBPAE) as required for clinical licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant.
• Master's Degree Accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), except for Physician Assistants who graduated from a PA program prior to 2013.

Licensure/Certification REQUIRED: Written authorization from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) or Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners (TSBPAE) to function as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant. Related authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population. Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. MAY BE REQUIRED: Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas.

PREFERRED: American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification as required by patient care area.

EXPERIENCE Required: None.

Preferred: Inpatient experience

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.