NI-Advanced Practice Provider, Surgery: Plastic Surgery

UW Health•Rockford, IL

About The Position

UW Health in northern Illinois is seeking a detail-oriented and team-focused Advanced Practice Provider (PA-C or NP with First Assist certification) to join our growing Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team. Working alongside a skilled plastic surgeon, this position offers a diverse surgical experience, including both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with a strong focus on post-oncologic breast reconstruction, skin cancer excision and repair, scar revision, and complex wound management. This role blends surgical assisting, inpatient rounding, and outpatient care—ideal for a motivated APP who thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary surgical environment. Your clinical support includes: • Assisting in the operating room for a range of plastic and reconstructive procedures, including oncoplastic breast surgery, flap reconstruction, skin grafting, and complex wound closures. • Performing inpatient rounds and managing post-operative care, including drain management, dressing changes, and wound evaluations. • Conducting independent patient visits in the outpatient clinic for pre-op consults, post-op follow-up, wound checks, and minor procedures. • Coordinating with oncology, general surgery, dermatology, wound care, and therapy teams for integrated patient management. • Educating patients and families on surgical procedures, expectations, recovery timelines, and scar care. • Documenting clinical encounters and surgical notes in the EMR in a timely and accurate manner. • Supporting ongoing quality improvement initiatives and contributing to enhanced care pathways.

Requirements

Current and valid Illinois license as a Physician Assistant (PA-C) or Nurse Practitioner (FNP or AGACNP) with First Assist certification, or ability to obtain license prior to start.
Certification by NCCPA (PA-C) or ANCC/AANP (NP), with prescriptive authority in Illinois.
Prior surgical experience required; plastic surgery, general surgery, or dermatologic surgery experience preferred.
Strong understanding of post-operative wound care, surgical anatomy, and clinical workflow in a surgical setting.
Ability to work collaboratively across inpatient, outpatient, and OR settings.
Exceptional communication, clinical judgment, and patient education skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior surgical experience; plastic surgery, general surgery, or dermatologic surgery experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assisting in the operating room for a range of plastic and reconstructive procedures, including oncoplastic breast surgery, flap reconstruction, skin grafting, and complex wound closures.
Performing inpatient rounds and managing post-operative care, including drain management, dressing changes, and wound evaluations.
Conducting independent patient visits in the outpatient clinic for pre-op consults, post-op follow-up, wound checks, and minor procedures.
Coordinating with oncology, general surgery, dermatology, wound care, and therapy teams for integrated patient management.
Educating patients and families on surgical procedures, expectations, recovery timelines, and scar care.
Documenting clinical encounters and surgical notes in the EMR in a timely and accurate manner.
Supporting ongoing quality improvement initiatives and contributing to enhanced care pathways.