Physician Assistant - Nephrology

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time outpatient position for a Physician Assistant specializing in Nephrology. The role involves providing clinical evaluation and ongoing medical follow-up for patients with chronic renal failure under the supervision of an Internal Medicine Nephrology Physician. Key areas of focus include the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic, Center and Satellite Hemodialysis Units, managing pre-ESRD patients, supporting chronic renal dialysis patients, and collaborating with surgeons and interventional radiologists for vascular access. The position also includes participation in the care of ESRD patients undergoing Hemodialysis within the UI Healthcare System. A minimum of one year of training on the inpatient ESRD service is required for clinical orientation and preparation for the outpatient role.

Requirements

Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.
Graduation from an accredited PA educational program.
Certification by the NCCPA.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with the evaluation and treatment of renal disease and renal dialysis.
Previous experience in the care of home dialysis patients.

Responsibilities

Function independently and/or collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate health care for renal patients.
Provide clinical services and continuity of renal care in the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic.
Make rounds on a regularly scheduled basis for dialysis outpatients, including regular travel to the satellite hemodialysis units. This includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients at our home dialysis unit.
Address health problems of outpatients, write prescriptions, participates in regular patient reviews, and patient care conferences.
Write initial dialysis orders, alter existing dialysis orders per patient labs, or as medically necessary.
Assess, examine, and write dialysis orders for transient dialysis patients.
Practice preventive medicine, establish and follow guidelines which are age appropriate for routine health maintenance for patients on chronic dialysis.
Order appropriate lab and diagnostic tests, review monthly lab tests and medications, interpret results and recommend or consult with primary nephrologist and other members of the health care team (dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, etc.) to make appropriate changes in dialysis prescription, medications, or diet.
Handle telephone calls from dialysis outpatients and care providers concerning changes in medical condition, medication adjustment, and prescription renewals.
Communicate with patients, primary physician and nephrologist as needed regarding changes in medical status and treatment plan.
Collaborate with nephrologist and pre-ESRD advanced practice nurse in management of pre- ESRD patients.
Provide guidance as to choice of dialysis modality and pre-dialysis education of patients/families.
Discuss psychological-adjustment issues, code status and end of life issues with patients/families and recommends or consult with nephrologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker and others as appropriate.
Work directly with surgeons and interventional radiologists for vascular access issues.
Participate in transition of chronic dialysis patients from inpatient to outpatient status, and vice-versa.
Perform annual and other history and physical examinations on ESRD outpatients, home dialysis patients, and pre-ESRD patients, primarily in Satellite Unit sites and/or in UI Health Care.
Fully utilizes UI Healthcare computer entry and documentation systems.
Coordinate and facilitate patient care between multiple disciplines and allied health professionals, including home health agencies, referring physicians, nursing homes, and other community support services. Facilitates continuity of care.
Provide inpatient consultative renal care on the ESRD service and occasional assistance on the Acute Renal Consult Service.
Evaluate, assess and manage patients with ESRD on renal replacement therapy and other renal diagnosis in consultation with the primary teams.
Provide excellent communication to multidisciplinary teams and coordination of care.
Serve in a consultative and resource capacity by providing expert knowledge in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis.
Serve in a resource capacity to physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in UI Health Care, hospitals with Satellite Units, and the community as needed.
Participate in the education of ESRD and pre-ESRD patients/families.
Evaluate patient learning needs and refers to social service, renal dietitian, transplant coordinator, psychologist, nursing staff, etc., as needed.
Provide education and serve as a resource for nursing staff and health care providers as needed.
Participate in development of divisional and departmental continuous quality improvement programs focusing on optimal patient care and improved renal patient outcomes.
Generate research questions regarding health care for particular patient populations.
Participate in clinical research projects.
Provide leadership to incorporate research findings into practice.
Establish and maintain standards of collaborative interaction among peers and employees that is characterized by respect, honesty and service; assures that all unit members are held to similar standards and ethics.
Inspire and motivate others to high performance by exercising strong stewardship of University resources, setting expectations, measuring success through individual performance evaluations, and driving organizational results.
Identify opportunities for and create development plans that encourage employees to attend to the growth of their personal and professional capacity; engages self and staff in collective reflection of the University’s greater role in society.
Follow general policies and procedures in accordance with the regulations of the University of Iowa, College of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine.
Perform other duties as assigned.