Physician Assistant Neuroscience ICU

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

2d•$135,720 - $173,867•Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant I provides care as part of the neurocritical care team for neurology and neurosurgery patients in the Neurosciences ICU. The PA assesses and manages medical and surgical patients, provides diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, develops plans of care, and evaluates patients’ ongoing needs. The position works under the supervision of an attending physician and reports administratively to the department administrator or chief physician assistant. The PA must practice in accordance with state and federal regulations and institutional policies, including the BWH PA Scope of Practice, Prescriptive Guidelines, approved clinical privileges, and BWH PA policy. The role includes rounding with the critical care team; obtaining histories and performing comprehensive examinations; coordinating tests and consultations; implementing treatment plans; communicating with patients and families; and providing inpatient consultations and follow-up. Procedures may include staple or suture placement and removal, wound care and packing, lumbar punctures, NGT placement, central and arterial line placement, lumbar drain placement and removal, and spine brace or cervical collar placement and removal. The PA is expected to contribute to local and national committees, councils, and initiatives; orient, onboard, or train new PAs and PA students; and participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives. The schedule is planned in advance when possible, but may vary to meet clinical needs. Shifts are balanced across days, nights, and weekends, and the PA may be asked to pick up additional shifts, work variable hours, or provide backup coverage. ACLS certification must be maintained. The role provides direct patient care, counseling, and teaching; conducts histories and examinations; orders and interprets diagnostic tests; develops care and follow-up plans; prescribes medications according to applicable policies; documents care; performs appropriate bedside procedures; and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team. Depending on the setting, the PA may first assist in the operating room or procedural areas. The position also includes committee participation, continuing education, required training, adherence to safety and documentation policies, and other duties as required by the department or division.

Requirements

Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies.
Massachusetts Physician Assistant state license.
Maintain ACLS certification.
Skilled in taking medical histories, assessing medical conditions, and interpreting findings.
Ability to maintain quality control standards.
Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly and establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.

Nice To Haves

Two years of PA experience strongly preferred.
Experience as a licensed Physician Assistant preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care, counseling, and teaching to designated patients in inpatient, ambulatory, operative, or procedural settings.
Round with the neurocritical care team and assess neurology and neurosurgery patients in the Neurosciences ICU.
Obtain patient histories and perform comprehensive physical examinations.
Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory and diagnostic tests; coordinate tests and consultations.
Develop and implement plans of care and follow-up based on clinical findings and diagnostic results.
Order medications and write prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies.
Provide inpatient consultations and follow-up, and communicate with patients and families.
Maintain timely, high-quality admission, progress, procedure, operative, and discharge documentation as applicable.
Perform appropriate bedside procedures, which may include lumbar punctures, staple and suture placement or removal, wound care and packing, NGT placement, central and arterial line placement, lumbar drain placement or removal, and spine brace or cervical collar placement or removal.
First assist in operating rooms or procedural areas when applicable to the setting.
Discuss patient information with physicians and other professionals in multidisciplinary settings and maintain collaborative relationships with providers.
Practice cost-effective medicine while using available resources efficiently.
Participate in departmental and organizational committees, programs, meetings, in-services, and professional training.
Provide leadership and participate in selected local and national committees, councils, and initiatives.
Orient, onboard, or train new-hire PAs and PA students within the department or division.
Participate in ongoing quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Maintain ACLS certification and engage in continuing education.
Follow applicable safety, clinical, prescribing, documentation, and institutional policies; identify and address unsafe situations.
Work a schedule that may include day, night, and weekend shifts, variable hours, additional shifts, or backup coverage to meet clinical needs.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required by the department or division.