OHSU Clinical Associate-Physician Associate

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery is a large division within the Department of Surgery at OHSU, dedicated to providing expert care for the most seriously injured patients in the state as a Level 1 trauma center. The Clinical Associate/Advanced Practice Provider (APP) will provide patient care within a multidisciplinary team model in the Trauma Acute Care Surgery (TACS) unit. This role involves working in partnership with faculty physicians, fellows, and residents to deliver excellent clinical care and customer service, while promoting OHSU’s missions of patient care, teaching, research, and public service. The APP will contribute to the strategic goals of excelling in patient safety, quality, and cost-effective, efficient care. This position reports to the Medical Director of Trauma Acute Care Surgery and the Medical Director of Emergency General Surgery. The APP will deliver care within a defined scope of practice, adhering to departmental workflows, productivity standards, and performance expectations consistent with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and institutional policies. The role includes participation in departmental scheduling, covering weekends and holidays, ensuring equitable distribution of coverage and maintaining safe, consistent clinical operations. The position is structured to meet contract-defined work expectations of 160 shifts per year, each 12.5 hours in duration, encompassing daytime and extended coverage, aligned with the clinical coverage model and patient care needs of the service. This position is represented by the Oregon Nurses Association, Advance Practice United, and is subject to the active collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Successful completion of a Master Degree in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing in the specialty of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), or Adult- Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) from an accredited program.
Successful completion of a Master Degree in Physician Assistant/Associate Studies from an accredited program.
Proficiency in clinical assessment, documentation, and care planning for surgical/trauma inpatient populations.
Ability to manage acute and post-operative patients across the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery continuum.
Current RN and APRN NP licensure with the Oregon Board of Nursing.
Current national ANCC Certification in the area of specialization.
Current BLS, ACLS or PALS Certification as indicated for the position.
DEA Certification.
Current PA licensure with the Oregon Medical Board.
Current NCCPA Certification.

Nice To Haves

2-4 years of RN, NP, or PA experience in the inpatient setting.
Trauma, surgery, or emergency specialty preferred.
Competency in primary, secondary, and tertiary survey for trauma resuscitations preferred.
ATLS certification preferred but not required for consideration. Will be provided upon employment.

Responsibilities

Provide medical and advanced practice management independently and/or in conjunction with attending physicians.
Work with nurses, social workers, nutrition services, pharmacy, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimum patient care.
Communicate with attending physicians, patients, and families regarding patients’ conditions, treatment plans, and urgent medical needs.
Document subjective and objective findings, assessment, and plan clearly and accurately in daily progress notes.
Identify discharge needs early and communicate the plan to patients, families, nurse case managers, and other healthcare team members.
Make appropriate referrals to specialty care services within and outside of OHSU.
Consult with specialty care providers when appropriate.
Maintain communication with external providers and other individuals and agencies (e.g., skilled nursing facilities) as appropriate.
Perform clinical procedures as indicated (e.g., central venous access, chest drains, intubation).
Respond to and manage adverse infusion reactions and other emergencies.
Review patient labs and physical conditions to override treatment parameters as appropriate.
Order medications as needed (PRN).
Review urgent EKG’s, imaging, laboratory studies, and other ancillary tests prior to the start of treatment.
Review investigational study EKG’s, imaging, labs, and other ancillary tests prior to the start of treatment.
Provide consultation to OTU nurses.
Consult with pharmacists on treatment changes and PRN medication.
Orient and educate trainees and nursing staff on care standards and protocols in the TACS.
Educate nursing staff, fellows, residents, and medical students in informal settings.
Participate in all relevant conferences and team meetings.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary and interprofessional care team members to establish or revise clinical pathways and patient education materials.
Participate in unit-relevant quality improvement projects.
Make a reasonable, good-faith effort to attend recurring division/service meetings, including faculty and APP meetings and relevant M&M/case review conferences.
Check and respond to work email, Epic In-Basket, and Teams/secure messaging during scheduled working days in a timely manner commensurate with clinical urgency.
Model respectful, collaborative behavior consistent with the OHSU Code of Conduct, Respect in the Workplace, and the OHSU-APU CBA.
Contribute to a healthy team culture, handoffs, and coverage planning.
Support colleagues across the Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery continuum.
Maintain active licensure, board certification, DEA registration, and BLS/ACLS/ATLS as applicable.
Complete required OHSU compliance training on time.
Engage in continuing education aligned with scope of practice.