Advanced Practice Provider (APRN or PA) - Breast Surgical Oncology

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Breast Surgical Oncology service, clinicians work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for patients across the continuum of breast cancer treatment, combining surgical expertise, patient-centered care, and multidisciplinary coordination. The Breast Surgery Oncology Advanced Practice Provider plays a key role in supporting high-quality patient care through a hybrid practice model that includes outpatient clinic responsibilities, operating room first-assist duties, and administrative coordination. The Breast Surgery Oncology Advanced Practice Provider collaborates closely with physicians and advanced practice providers to ensure continuity of care. The Breast Surgery Oncology Advanced Practice Provider contributes to efficient clinical operations and exceptional patient experiences across multiple care settings. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, adaptable, and patient-centered clinician with experience supporting surgical services in both clinic and operating room environments.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas.
• Above-average manual dexterity is necessary for appropriate surgical performance.
• An in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of both cancer as well as the surgical process and wound healing is necessary.
• Patient education requires good interpersonal skills and a working knowledge of surgical oncology.
• The use of a scalpel, electric knife, surgical instruments, sterile technique, and compliance with operating room rules and regulations may also be necessary.
• Observational skills training will be important.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively and to give clear verbal instructions.

Nice To Haves

• Education and training consistent with Physician Assistant practice or Nurse Practitioner practice with RNFA certification
• Experience in surgical first assisting
• Outpatient clinic operations
• Epic utilization
• Breast surgery or oncology practice exposure
• 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.
• Breast surgery or oncology experience

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessment of patients throughout the continuum in the surgical, inpatient and ambulatory setting based on age and diagnosis, including psychological status.
• Direct care of patients with a wide range of oncologic diseases to include new patients, consultations, follow-ups during and after cancer surgeries, therapies, and autonomous survivorship clinic.
• Proficient use of EPIC in the delivery of care.
• Perform and document history and physicals, order and review diagnostic studies, therapeutic procedures, prescribe medications, interaction and direct communication with referring physicians, collaboration with and direct reporting of patient information to the medical staff.
• Coordinate care with other disciplines, build strong collaborative relationships across the organization and the local medical community as many patients require long-term and multi-disciplinary care; especially with surgery scheduling.
• Direct care and management in the outpatient setting to include: Initiation of evaluation, Documentation of clinic visits, Patient and family education, Obtaining informed consent for treatment, Documentation of telephone conversations, Identification and treatment toxicities, Management of symptoms, Counseling and support, Collaboration with and referrals to other healthcare providers, Provision of education to nursing staff, students and the community.
• Serve as a medical expert for the Business center and Nursing staff in the intake process of new and transfer patients to asertain safety, appropriateness and treatment modality.
• Treatment planning with physicians, active participation in tumor board review and discussion of cases.
• Engage in peer-to-peer reviews with insurance.
• Perform autonomously in an independent Advanced Practice Provider clinic.
• Participates in perioperative care, which may include pre-operative and post-operative visits and education.
• Contributes to the development, modification and interpretation of oncology guidelines, policies, procedures, including quality assurance activities.
• Participation in clinical research as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with APRN/PA colleagues in the provision of care, including covering colleagues as needed.
• Attending conferences and continuing education/staff development programs to maintain knowledge of current literature and guidelines for care.
• Participate in safety and process improvement initiatives throughout the Houston Area Locations.
• Participate in the institutional training and meetings as required.
• Perform credentialing procedures.
• Taking care of patients on the outpatient service and assisting in the operating room.
• Obtain test results using the MDACC computer system, which requires comprehension and problem-solving skills.
• Formulate as assessment and plan for each patient in coordination with the faculty supervising physician and Breast Surgical Fellows.
• Dictate or manually transcribe a patient note. This task requires a clear, audible voice, and a good command of the English language as well as clear and legible penmanship.
• Perform minor surgical procedures which may include wound debridement, suture/staple removal, drain placement or removal, seroma evacuation, biopsies, and other procedures as delegated by the supervising physician.
• Manage pre-operative and post-operative patients in coordination with the faculty supervising physician and Breast Surgical Fellows.
• Provide patient education.
• Coordinate patient care with the multidisciplinary team to include but not limited to Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APP) from other hospital services, Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists and other Allied Health Support team members involved in the patient's care.
• Depending on the position, the APP may participate in surgery as first or second assist with the faculty.
• Perform routine patient care, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as starting IV's venipuncture, administering PO/IV/IM meds.
• Participate in the education of students including medical, physician assistant, nursing and allied health, etc.
• Participate in research and administrative projects pertinent to the patient population in the area where the PA is working.
• Coordinate the medical team in implementing the patient's treatment plan.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level