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

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Nice To Haves

Inpatient experience
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.

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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.
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

Benefits

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