Cardiothoracic PA - Bridgeport, CT

Yale New Haven Health•Bridgeport, CT

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Cardiothoracic PA provides patient care as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with attending and supervising physicians in accordance with state law, hospital regulations, policies, protocols, and clinical pathways. The role supports patients across the disease process and may involve inpatient, ambulatory, or outpatient care, from diagnostic to prognostic matters. The position assists cardiothoracic surgeons in the operating room, including first assisting in CABG, valve, and thoracic procedures, and provides pre- and post-operative patient management, including rounds, progress notes, and discharge planning. Bedside procedures such as chest tube insertion, line placement, and wound management may also be performed as needed. The PA obtains medical histories, performs physical examinations, reviews and orders diagnostic or therapeutic tests and radiologic results, and formulates and manages treatment plans. Procedures, treatments, and medications may be provided or prescribed within institutional and state guidelines and the clinician’s scope and competency. The role includes educating patients and families, providing psychosocial support, maintaining appropriate documentation and information security, complying with healthcare regulations, and contributing to professional development, quality improvement, safety, and clinical education. The posting states that previous cardiothoracic surgery experience is required in its opportunity summary; the general qualifications section says specialty/service-line NP/PA experience is preferred but not required.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program (the posting also lists an accredited Nurse Practitioner program for the broader NP/PA role).
Active PA certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Connecticut State Physician Assistant License.
ACLS/BLS certification when indicated for the position profile.
DEA license.
Appointment to the Affiliated Medical Staff of a YNHHS hospital and completion of the Medical Staff credentialing process, including evidence of current competence and appropriate reference letters.
Previous cardiothoracic surgery experience is stated as required in the opportunity summary.
Demonstrated strong clinical and technical skills in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Nice To Haves

Clinical working experience as an NP/PA in the specialty or service line is described as preferred in the qualifications section, though not required there.
Additional licensure, certifications, or continuing education credits may be required during employment based on the position and specialty area.

Responsibilities

Assist cardiothoracic surgeons in the operating room, including first assisting in CABG, valve, and thoracic procedures.
Provide pre- and post-operative patient management, including rounds, progress notes, and discharge planning.
Perform bedside procedures such as chest tube insertion, line placement, and wound management as needed.
Assess, triage, and therapeutically manage patient and family needs throughout the disease process as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Obtain medical histories; perform physical examinations; review and order diagnostic and therapeutic tests and radiologic results; and formulate and manage treatment plans.
Perform procedures and prescribe treatments and medications within institutional and state guidelines, scope of practice, and professional competency standards.
Educate patients and families about care, available resources, treatment plans, potential side effects, and discharge plans.
Provide psychosocial support to patients, family members, and significant others in a caring, ethical, and professional manner.
Maintain documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory requirements and protect patient information from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or disclosure.
Demonstrate professional, ethical, compassionate conduct and comply with patient-related healthcare regulatory requirements, standards, and recommendations.
Report safety events and near misses and maintain employee requirements established by hospital policy.
Maintain and advance professional competency; serve as a clinical resource for new house staff and provide service-specific orientation as appropriate.
May precept NP/PA students and other healthcare professionals, mentor pre-PA/NP candidates, and collaborate on research, quality assurance, performance improvement, and clinical protocols.
Respond to emergency situations within YNHHS parameters as applicable.