Medical Spine I

Cleveland Clinic•City of Utica, NY

12d

About The Position

The Center for Spine Health and Pain Management is seeking a full-time Physician Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with an interest in acute pain management and medical spine care. This provider works in a collaborative, fast-paced outpatient setting, independently managing acute pain conditions, chronic pain exacerbations, injury-related pain, and non-surgical spine diagnoses. The role includes evaluation and follow-up of patients with spine-related symptoms that do not require surgical intervention, such as lumbar or cervical radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease, and musculoskeletal concerns. The provider collaborates with physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists on integrated care plans; educates patients; monitors treatment response; guides transitions of care; and participates in team discussions and quality improvement. The provider will be trained in and contribute to intrathecal pump management. More broadly, the Advanced Practice Provider delivers primary and/or specialty care in healthcare settings in collaboration with the healthcare team and within the scope of certification and licensure. The work emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Duties include assessment, testing, diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, referrals, coordination and continuity of care, quality monitoring, and support of professional development and evidence-based practice. The role may also include research, student precepting, and onboarding new caregivers.

Requirements

For APRNs: graduate of an accredited APRN program; an MSN is required upon hire or within three years of hire for covered external hires and internal hires moving from a non-APRN licensed role. A master's degree is required upon hire for neonatal care service areas.
For PAs: graduate of an A.R.C.-approved Physician Assistant Program; master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies and/or a higher degree from a program recognized by the practicing state's licensing board.
Oral and written communication skills in English.
For NPs: current Nurse Practitioner license and RN license in applicable state(s), national NP certification recognized by the state Board of Nursing, and BLS certification through the AHA or American Red Cross. Physician arrangements, hospital credentialing, and privileges are also required.
For CNSs: current Clinical Nurse Specialist and RN licenses in applicable state(s), national CNS certification recognized by the state Board of Nursing, and BLS certification through the AHA or American Red Cross. Physician arrangements, hospital credentialing, and privileges are also required.
For PAs: NCCPA certification or successor certification recognized by the practicing state's licensing board; license to practice and prescribe; current DEA license or DEA designee as required by NCQA; BLS certification through the AHA or American Red Cross; a Physician Supervision Agreement and signed addendum; and applicable hospital credentialing and privileges.
ACLS or PALS, or NRP, may be required for nursing roles depending on the work setting. For PA roles, ACLS or PALS, NRP, or ATLS may be required depending on the work setting.
Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, strong written and verbal communication, and ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated competency in advanced assessment and diagnosis and ability to use an electronic medical record.
High ethical standards, compassion, professionalism, and commitment to excellent patient care.
Critical thinking, decisive judgment, ability to work independently, and ability to take appropriate action in a stressful environment.
Ability to walk and stand for long periods, perform physical examinations requiring manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination, and meet corrected vision and hearing requirements.
Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds; the role may involve exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in acute care, orthopedics, anesthesia, or pain management is preferred; new graduates with an interest in pain and spine care are encouraged to apply.
Related clinical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent outpatient clinic visits for acute pain and medical spine evaluations and follow-ups.
Assess and manage patients with non-surgical spine and pain conditions, including lumbar or cervical radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease, and musculoskeletal concerns.
Collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists to develop integrated short- and long-term care plans.
Educate patients about pain management strategies, medication use, spine health, and safe recovery practices.
Monitor treatment response and guide transitions of care, including referrals for imaging, therapy, or advanced interventions.
Participate in team-based discussions, care planning, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Train in and contribute to intrathecal pump (ITP) management.
Conduct medical histories and physical examinations where indicated; initiate appropriate tests, review results, and develop working diagnoses and treatment plans.
Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures and perform specialized procedures as credentialed and privileged.
Prescribe and monitor medications as permitted by license, state board requirements, and Cleveland Clinic policies.
Educate patients about diseases, treatments, and related medication and treatment side effects and hazards.
Participate in medical team rounds and collaborate with nursing, medical, and other healthcare team members to ensure quality care.
Refer patients to specialists and serve as a liaison to support continuity of care across the multidisciplinary team.
Review records and treatment plans periodically to monitor patient outcomes and quality of care.
Facilitate appropriate length of stay and discharge planning, and comply with regulatory standards for inpatient management.
Support professional development of the healthcare team and promote evidence-based practices, guidelines, and research.
May conduct research studies, assist with data collection and analysis, serve as a clinical preceptor for students, or onboard new caregivers.
Perform other duties as assigned.