Physician Assistant Neuroscience ICU

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

14h•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 patients through diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, develops plans of care, and evaluates patient progress. The role 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 applicable state and federal regulations, institutional policies, scope of practice, prescribing guidelines, and approved clinical privileges. The PA participates in ICU rounds with attending physicians, fellows, residents, and other advanced practice providers. Duties include taking histories, performing examinations, coordinating tests and consultations, implementing treatment plans, communicating with patients and families, and providing inpatient consultation and follow-up. Procedures may include wound care, staple or suture placement and removal, lumbar punctures, NGT placement, central and arterial line placement, lumbar drain placement and removal, and spine brace or cervical collar placement and removal. The position also includes participation in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, organizational committees, and the orientation or training of new PAs and PA students. The schedule is planned in advance when possible, but may vary to meet clinical needs. Shifts are balanced across days, nights, and weekends; additional shifts, variable hours, and backup coverage may be requested. ACLS certification must be maintained.

Requirements

Master's degree from a Physician Assistant program.
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 patient care, counseling, and teaching to the designated patient population.
Obtain patient histories and perform complete physical examinations.
Order, interpret, and evaluate laboratory and diagnostic tests.
Develop plans of care and follow-up based on diagnostic, laboratory, and examination findings.
Order medications and write prescriptions in accordance with organizational and regulatory policies.
Document care accurately and promptly, including admission and progress notes, procedure notes, operative notes, and discharge summaries.
Perform appropriate bedside procedures, including lumbar punctures, and neurocritical care procedures such as line placement, wound care, and lumbar drain management.
Round with the critical care team and provide inpatient consultations and follow-up.
Coordinate tests and consultations, implement treatment plans, and communicate with patients and families.
Discuss patient data with physicians and other professionals in a multidisciplinary setting.
Practice cost-effective medicine and use available resources efficiently.
Maintain collaborative and consultative relationships with other providers and follow designated prescribing and monitoring requirements.
Participate in departmental and organizational committees, programs, meetings, in-services, and professional training as appropriate.
Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Orient, onboard, and train new-hire PAs and PA students within the department or division.
Maintain continuing education and contribute to personal and departmental growth.
Follow safety policies and procedures, identify unsafe conditions, and take steps to address them.
Perform additional duties as required by the department or division.