Physician Assistant Nurse Practitioner Thoracic Surgery and Sub-specialty - Hackensack Meridian Health

The Thoracic Surgery and subspecialty Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner manages the day-to-day inpatient and operative needs of surgical  patients in conjunction with, and under the supervision of an attending physician .  The PA/NP is responsible for the assessment and management of various patient populations and surgical subspecialties including but not limited to the overall management of a surgical patient, ordering and interpretation of diagnostic testing,  development of appropriate plans of care, therapeutic interventions, and intra operative assistance. They maintain a collaborative work environment that is safe, just, and founded on principles of high reliability and quality outcomes for patients and colleagues.  The PA/NP will perform duties in accordance with state and federal regulations as well as network policies, PA scope of practice guidelines, approved clinical privileges and the JFKUMC PA policy. The physician assistant reports to the department clinical lead and Director of Advanced Practice Providers, Physician Assistant. Full time positions include holidays on a rotational basis and may include weekends.

1. Under the supervision of a physician(s) with appropriate privileges, performs comprehensive medical care of  patients encompassing all aspects of medical management. 
2. Obtains a detailed and accurate history, performs highly reliable physical examination, identifies problems, orders and interprets appropriate laboratory and diagnostic testing.  Develops appropriate plans of care,  follow up and performs interventions based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory and examination findings.
3.  Participates in daily rounds individually and/or with the orthopedic team. Performs consultations, manages patient care throughout the shift and evaluates patients for changes in status. 
4. Consistently submits timely documentation of admission notes, history and physical examinations, consultations, daily patient encounter notes, urgent evaluation notes, procedure notes, brief post- operative notes and discharge summaries.
5. In case of a surgical admission, insures all elements of pre-op evaluation are within acceptable range and facilitates in the expedited coordination of operative care.
6. Assists surgeon in the operating room as a first assistant or as a second assistant when deemed necessary by the supervising surgeon and when a qualified assistant physician is not required by N.J.A.C. 12.35-4.1
7. Performs bedside procedures including but not limited to bursa aspirations, closed reduction of fractures and dislocations, cast and splint applications, dressing changes, wound debridement, incision and drainage, VAC dressing placements, troubleshooting and removal,  the removal of surgical drains,  bedside suturing, and suture removal.
8. Acts as a “first line” person responsible for all the post procedure management of patients.
9. Prescribes medications in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations under supervision of a licensed physician as approved by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners. Under the guidance and direction of a supervising physician and in accordance with the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners, prescribe controlled dangerous substances only with current state CDS license and DEA number.
10. Demonstrates select competencies and high level of clinical judgment and skills amongst commonly diagnosed conditions.  
11. Exhibits organizational, communication and leadership skills, initiative, accountability, responsibility, appropriate judgment, and decision making.
12. Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
13. Functions as a resource to other Team Members and participates in their education.
14. Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center's Organizational Competencies,  Elearning, and standards of behavior. 
15. Displays an understanding and awareness of and performs all duties in accordance with the Hospital's and HMH Network Mission and Vision Statements.
16. Adheres to all Hospital infection control and safety policies.
17. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Non-Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates a professional and collaborative relationship with other providers and Team Members.
2. Exhibits and fosters behavior that emulates the hospital's mission, vision and values, and creates aculture that promotes a healthy work environment.
3. Maintains superior interpersonal and communication skills as a Team Member. Collaborates effectively with patients, families and other Team Members.
4. Promotes a commitment to one’s professional, departmental and organizational growth.
5. Participates in departmental and organizational committees, including interdepartmental meetings, Morbidity and Mortality conferences, quality assurance meetings, professional trainings.
6. Participates in Standard of Care practices and promotes the implementation of  quality measures and safety measures.
7. Remains active in Continuation of Medical Education programs and self education as well as participates in the education and training of new hires and rotating PA students.

Knowledge, Education and Skills Required:  

• Successful completion of an approved physicians assistant program, accredited by the Accreditation and Review Committee for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or other NCCPA certification examination  qualifying accrediting agency.
• Maintenance of a minimum of 100 hours of CME in accordance with NCCPA regulations every 2 years

 Knowledge, Education and Skills Preferred:  

• 2 years of thoracic surgery experience is preferred however new graduates are considered.
• Preferred robotic training

 Required Certification/Licensing:    

• New Jersey State Physician Assistant Certification 
• Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification required
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
•  New Jersey CDS license
• Federal DEA license

Nurse Practitioner:Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: 1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. 2. MSN with Advanced Practice Nurse credentials. 3. Minimum of 5 years RN/Specialty experience. 4. Demonstrates effective communication and leadership skills including teaching principles, organizational and presentation skills 5. Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: 1. Minimum of 2 years experience in the Nurse Practitioner role preferred. Licenses and Certifications Required: 1. Advance Practice Nurse License. 2. AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification. Licenses and Certifications Preferred: 1. Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.