Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery PA

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Plastics Reconstructive and Hand Surgery APP supports the outpatient clinical practice by providing comprehensive patient care across both reconstructive and hand surgery services. This role focuses on evaluation, treatment, and follow‑up of patients in a clinic setting while working collaboratively with surgeons, nursing staff, therapists, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team. An allied health professional, employed by Erlanger Health Systems, who performs as a physician extender by providing direct and indirect patient care (both inpatient and outpatient) under orders of the attending physician and within the guidelines of the current legislation of the State of Tennessee. Employee will have significant interaction with residents and faculty of UT Family Practice Residency Program, thus allowing the program to be an additional training tool in the area of preparing residents to work with physician extenders The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the age of the patients served by their assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the center's policies and procedures.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
Current APP licensure and eligibility for state licensure
Experience in plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, orthopedics, surgery, or related specialty preferred
Strong procedural skills and interest in outpatient surgical care
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with physicians and clinical staff

Nice To Haves

Outpatient surgical clinic experience
Hand or orthopedic exposure
Wound care experience
Interest in procedural medicine and patient education

Responsibilities

Evaluate and manage patients in the outpatient clinic with plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgery needs
Conduct pre‑operative and post‑operative visits, including wound checks, dressing changes, suture and staple removal, and postoperative education
Assess and treat a wide range of conditions including: -Hand and upper extremity injuries (fractures, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, carpal tunnel, trigger finger) -Soft tissue injuries and wounds -Reconstructive needs following trauma or surgery -Skin lesions and post‑surgical complications
Perform in‑office procedures as appropriate, such as: -Wound care and debridement -Suture/staple removal -Injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections) -Incision and drainage when indicated
Order and interpret diagnostic labs and imaging in collaboration with supervising physicians
Develop and implement treatment plans under physician guidance
Provide patient education regarding treatment plans, postoperative care, splinting, and therapy expectations
Coordinate care with hand therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services
Document all patient encounters accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record
Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centered care
Primarily daytime hours with no or minimal call requirement
Collaborative practice with attending plastic and hand surgeons
Fast‑paced clinic with a mix of scheduled and add-on patients
Focus on continuity of care and long-term patient outcomes