Physician Asst (Cardiothoracic)

Summary The physician assistant will function within the cardiothoracic section of the department of surgery at the RLR VA Medical Center. They will provide medical and surgical care for both inpatients and outpatients in cardiothoracic surgery and surgical intensive care, serving as the primary coordinator for physicians and PA/ARNP providers. Cardiothoracic patients often have concomitant medical problems and are multi-symptomatic. Responsibilities Provide medical and surgical care for both inpatients and outpatients in cardiothoracic surgery and surgical intensive care; serve as primary coordinator for physicians and PA/ARNP providers. Coordinate patient care programs based upon the admitting chief complaint and perform duties: design and conduct comprehensive examinations, diagnose and implement treatment plans, issue admission orders, discharge summaries, order special labs and radiographic studies. Provide medical education/counseling to patients and their families. Verify that pre‑operative surgical requirements are met, arrange admissions, coordinate inpatient activities on the floor. Primary responsibility for admissions and medical care of patients. Assist the surgeon in the operating room, including prep and draping, and assist in surgery (first/second assist). Perform bedside procedures: placement of arterial lines, Swan‑Ganz catheters, central lines; bronchoscopy; change tracheostomy tubes; wound care and debridement; thoracentesis; removal of chest tubes; temporary pacing wires; intra‑aortic balloon pump; drains. Diagnose and treat cardiothoracic surgery patients seen in consultation with other health‑care providers. Promote patient care programs and update them based on new concepts, research, and attending physician findings. Integrate activities of cardiothoracic surgery service with other patient‑care programs at the facility. Manage a task force for quality assurance within the cardiothoracic section. Coordinate holistic care in inpatient and outpatient realms, identifying problems, conflicts, barriers to patient care. Solve problems preoperatively to avoid issues, coordinating with social work. Establish and maintain relationships with social work, rehabilitation, medical, dietary services to improve efficient patient care. Consider factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost in planning and delivering care. Obtain history, perform a physical examination, and assess ongoing needs using the nursing process for practice decisions. Order and interpret routine laboratory tests, diagnostic studies, radiographic tests. Perform diagnostic and stabilization procedures based on ACLS. Collaborate with respiratory therapy and nursing for airway management and ventilator weaning. Write orders for laboratory work, medications, treatments in compliance with hospital policies. Communicate with Surgical Service physicians regarding patient problems and status updates. Participate and prepare discharge planning for SICU patients with team, patients, families, and consultants. Document relevant laboratory data, study results, patient care, procedures, and updates within notes. Demonstrate competence with placement and removal of enteral feeding tubes, central venous catheters, arterial lines, Swan‑Ganz catheters, sutures, drains/tubes. Assist with and perform invasive procedures including central lines, arterial lines, bronchoscopy, PEG tube placement, percutaneous tracheostomy. Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health‑care team members using effective communication and interpersonal skills to promote interdisciplinary teamwork. Identify at‑risk individuals needing referrals. Maintain accurate, timely medical records. Participate in performance measures through documentation and data collection/reporting. Assist in investigation and documentation of patient issues and concerns. Identify individual differences related to physiological, cultural, psychological aspects of development. Base practice on research and participate in clinical research projects. Demonstrate ability to multitask and prioritize patient care needs. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; travel required up to 15%. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs