Physician Assistant First Assist- Cardiac Surgery

LCMC Health•New Orleans, LA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the surgeon, the Physician Assistant, Surgical First Assistant in Cardiology, participates in and actively assists in the Cardiology Perioperative (Pre-op + Intra-op + Post-op), procedures by safely and expeditiously helping to provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and other technical functions. Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures. Assesses patients and family needs and provides appropriate education pre- and post-procedure. Is responsible for sterile technique and maintenance of the sterile field.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Program.
0-1 year of Physician Assistant Cardiology and Surgical First Assistant perioperative experience.
Physician Assistants Licensure
Physician Assistant-Surgical First Assistant Licensure
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Licensure
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certification
Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Certification
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Fluent in the written and verbal skills necessary to perform successfully the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the position.
Ability to read, speak, and write English with clarity of expression sufficient to communicate technical and complex concepts to teammates, patients, and patient family members.
Ability to understand clinical/medical vocabulary written or spoken in English.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to interact by telephone and face-to face with individuals and groups of customers seeking service or assistance.
Mathematical Skills, Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
Computer skills. Knowledge of word processing software and ability to use information systems for data input and reports.
Experience in pediatric-specific surgeries and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of an approved Surgical Assistant Program.
New graduates will be considered.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates the ability to communicate the surgeon’s preferences and specific patient's needs to the surgical team, including specialty supplies, instrumentation, and equipment.
Demonstrates the ability to apply advanced knowledge of normal and pathological surgical anatomy and physiology.
Demonstrates aseptic skills.
Acquires continuing education annually to maintain current competencies and licensure.
Participates in education of allied health staff and students.
Participates in quality improvement process.
Demonstrates the ability to provide Cardiology-specific preoperative skills such as assessing patient information, history, preoperative tests (e.g., EEG, ECG, diagnostic imaging, lab results), safety measures, biopsy results, positioning, and draping.
Demonstrates knowledge and ability to correctly and safely position patient.
Demonstrates the ability to perform safe surgical skin prep.
Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain sterile field through appropriate draping, gloving, and placement of lines and devices.
Demonstrates ability to provide Cardiology-specific intraoperative technical skills following surgeon preference and accepted practice.
Able to utilize operating room equipment applicable to the procedure.
Able to work independently and co-dependently with the surgeon.
Demonstrates ability to make good decisions using research-based best practice.
Demonstrates the ability to provide Cardiology-specific postoperative skills in patient care including surgical dressing application, monitoring for immediate complications, patient transport, and transfer of care.
Participate in interdisciplinary handoff to provide continuity of care postoperatively.