Physcian Assistant Per Diem

University of California, Irvine•Orange, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cardiovascular Institute and Division of Cardiac Surgery at UCI Health are seeking an experienced, motivated per diem surgical physician assistant. The cardiac surgery division is growing in volume and complexity; UCI Health is the only hospital in Orange County performing durable LVADs and caring for complex ECMO patients. The role offers hands-on experience in complex cardiac procedures and surgical skill development under the guidance of cardiac surgeons in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment. The PA works 12-hour shifts, dividing time between the operating room and other hospital areas requiring acute and procedural support. The role participates in a call rotation, with requirements determined by service needs. The position reports to cardiac surgery leadership, including the Division Chief and Co-Directors of the Cardiovascular Institute, and works closely with attending cardiac surgeons, ICU physicians, and cardiac nurse practitioners. Candidates must be legally qualified and licensed to practice as a PA in California, graduate from an ARC-PA-accredited program, maintain NCCPA certification and current BLS and ACLS certifications, and meet the listed credentialing and employment conditions. A minimum of five years of cardiothoracic surgery experience and independent competency in endoscopic vein harvesting are required.

Requirements

Graduate from an ARC-PA-accredited physician assistant program.
Current, active, unrestricted California Physician Assistant license, issued by the Physician Assistant Board under the Medical Board of California by the date of hire.
NCCPA certification at hire and maintained throughout employment at UCI.
Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
At least five years of cardiothoracic surgery experience, with independent competency in endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH).
Meet applicable California legal requirements to practice as a PA, including graduation from an approved training program and certification by the State Board of Medical Examiners or the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Obtain UCIMC Allied Health Professional Privileges before hire and have practice agreements completed and on file in the Department.
Have or obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) before the employment start date and meet current Medicare billing requirements.
Have a current DEA number.
Complete HIPAA and other required training, annual TB screening, and applicable testing required to meet JCAHO requirements.
Understand and follow privacy, confidentiality, and security policies for protected health information and other sensitive personal information.
Knowledge of applicable billing practices for PA services.
Ability to communicate medical information clearly to a broad range of people in person and by telephone; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to maintain clinical competence and perform medical procedures, and to be trained in specialized medical equipment and procedures.
Ability to maintain an appropriate work pace for the workload.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the program, organization, and UCI Health System.
Ability to exercise diplomacy and flexibility when interacting with physicians, nurses, other paramedical personnel, administrators, emergency personnel, and law enforcement officers.
Customer service skills appropriate to the job and the skills, knowledge, and ability essential to assigned duties.
Must provide proof of work authorization and comply with applicable conditions of employment.

Nice To Haves

Willingness to contribute to quality improvement projects and initiatives, as well as research, education, and training when appropriate.
Familiarity with EPIC Electronic Medical Record.
Experience or interest in endoscopic radial artery harvest.

Responsibilities

Perform endoscopic vein harvesting, with experience or interest in endoscopic radial artery harvest.
First assist in cardiac surgeries, including large vessel exposure, femoral artery and vein access, sternotomy procedures, and ECMO cannulation.
Develop and advance surgical skills under the guidance of cardiac surgeons.
Work with attending cardiac surgeons, ICU physicians, and cardiac nurse practitioners overseeing patient care on the floors.
Assist with acute-care procedures, including ECMO management and surgical interventions in the ICU and on the floor.
Work 12-hour shifts in the operating room and other hospital areas requiring acute and procedural support.
Participate in the call rotation, according to service needs.
Maintain clinical competence in specialty patient care and apply or correct treatment modalities.
Prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data, and progress notes.
Maintain effective working relationships and communicate medical information clearly to patients and other people.