Physician Assistant In-Patient Orthopedics

Mass General Brigham • Boston, MA

9d • $135,720 - $173,867 • Onsite

About The Position

The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner serves as a responding clinician for the inpatient orthopedic patient population at Brigham and Women's Hospital, covering seven orthopedic subspecialties. Under the supervision of the Orthopedic Department Chief, Vice President, Senior Director of Advanced Practice Providers, Senior APP Manager, and Inpatient APP Lead, the APP manages all aspects of care for an assigned daily census, typically 10–12 patients. Care includes admissions, acute postoperative and non-operative care, consultations, responding to emergencies, coordination across disciplines, and timely discharge planning. The role also provides patient and family education, reinforces surgeons’ postoperative plans, and participates in patient and family meetings.

The APP performs histories and physical examinations; orders, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and diagnostic tests; diagnoses and treats conditions; prescribes medications; documents care; and develops follow-up plans. The role may include bedside procedures and first-assist responsibilities in the operating room or procedural areas when appropriate and when service coverage permits. The APP practices within federal and Massachusetts regulations, professional standards, organizational policies, and granted hospital privileges. The position is onsite, regular, and scheduled for 40 hours per week on a day shift.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an accredited graduate-level physician assistant or nurse practitioner program; a master’s degree is required.
• Certification before employment by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
• Current, valid Massachusetts license to practice as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
• Current DEA registration and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration.
• Completion of required continuing medical education according to national and state regulations for NPs and PAs.
• Qualification in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, counseling, and teaching to orthopedic patients in inpatient, operative, and/or procedural settings.
• Act as responding clinician for an assigned daily patient census, averaging 10–12 patients, and provide cross-coverage for services with high census or colleague absences.
• Admit patients from the emergency department, clinic, or front door, including completing admission notes and orders when needed.
• Provide acute postoperative care, symptom management, and care for non-operative patients.
• Perform patient histories and physical examinations and document findings and care plans in a timely manner.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory and diagnostic tests, and develop care and follow-up plans based on findings.
• Diagnose and treat medical conditions arising during hospitalization and prescribe medications according to organizational and regulatory policies.
• Write progress notes, event notes, and discharge summaries; bill for non-operative patients when appropriate; and prepare charts for weekend discharges.
• Coordinate care with consulting services, case management, occupational and physical therapy, primary care and referring physicians, and post-discharge care providers.
• Respond to patient emergencies and issues, including chest pain, shortness of breath, wound dehiscence, syncope, falls, behavioral or social issues, and codes.
• Perform inpatient and emergency department consultations and carry the applicable pager.
• Perform bedside procedures as appropriate to the patient population.
• Function as first assist in the operating room or procedural areas when appropriate and when service coverage permits; complete the orthopedic postoperative note after assisting.
• Educate patients and families, reinforce surgeons’ postoperative plans, and participate in patient and family meetings.
• Practice cost-effective medicine and use available resources efficiently.
• Discuss patient data with physicians and other professionals in multidisciplinary settings and collaborate with APP colleagues and other providers.
• Follow designated prescribing practices and monitoring requirements with the supervising physician and administrative report.
• Participate in departmental and organizational committees and programs, attend required meetings, in-services, trainings, and vaccinations, and contribute to efforts to reduce length of stay.
• Maintain continuing education and contribute to personal and departmental growth.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, identify unsafe conditions, and take action to address them.
• Discuss barriers to practice and develop strategies to improve discharge processes and care throughout the surgical journey.
• Contribute ideas and workflow improvements to enhance the quality of orthopedic care.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits
• Career advancement opportunities
• Differentials, premiums, and bonuses as applicable
• Recognition programs
• Reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process and for performing job functions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level