Physician Assistant (PA) - Cardiac Surgery

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is seeking Physician Assistant (PA-C) candidates for independent Thoracic Organ Recovery. VUMC offers a pathway for PAs to be trained in recovering hearts and lungs using advanced organ preservation systems. The role involves working with one of the largest transplant centers in the United States, focusing on advancing organ preservation and training future talent. The position is within the Departments of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery.

Requirements

At least one year of cardiac surgery operative experience.
LIC-Physician's Assistant Certified - Tennessee
Master's degree
Relevant Work Experience

Nice To Haves

Candidates interested in independent Thoracic Organ Recovery.
Experience with advanced organ preservation systems.
Experience in a large transplant center.

Responsibilities

Performs and documents complete history and physical examinations for acute and complex chronically ill patients.
Orders and collects data using appropriate assessment techniques and diagnostic procedures.
Serves as the first responder for patient status changes, orders, and procedural/resuscitative interventions.
Assesses risks associated with patient care, including medication side effects, immobility, nutrition, fluid/electrolyte imbalance, immunocompetence, and invasive procedures.
Coordinates daily rounds with attending physician teams, presents patient reports, and collaborates on the plan of care.
Collaborates with the interdisciplinary health care team in making diagnoses.
Manages diagnostic tests through ordering, interpretation, performance, and supervision.
Formulates differential diagnoses by priority and diagnoses complications, ordering appropriate interventions.
Identifies expected outcomes and formulates/documents a plan of care for complex health needs.
Utilizes evidence-based practice guidelines or protocols in developing individualized plans of care.
Prescribes diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions (pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, surgical).
Manages further diagnostic tests.
May perform advanced procedures consistent with privileges and competency validation, including minor suturing, complex wound management, and line/tube placements/removals.
Maintains ongoing communication and collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team.
Facilitates and communicates with patients, families, and staff to promote continuity of care.
Documents key components of patient progress via daily progress notes, transfer/discharge summaries, and clinic notes.
Ensures documentation is timely, meets compliance standards, and captures patient acuity.
Demonstrates professional practice behaviors, including preceptor/mentoring roles and education of students and staff.
Seeks opportunities for active engagement in research and analysis of evidence-based practice.
Actively participates in Grand Rounds, APN council meetings, faculty/unit meetings, and M&M presentations.
Maintains Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and membership in a professional organization.