JOB SUMMARY
The ideal candidate will assist the surgeon during thoracic or cardiovascular operations by performing duties such as tissue retraction, insertion of tubes and intravenous lines, and closure of surgical wounds. The role includes preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate patient care.
The Physician Assistant should demonstrate advanced medical knowledge, clinical and technical competency, sound clinical judgment, professionalism, effective communication skills, timely and compliant documentation, and a commitment to ongoing professional development and competency validation.
Responsibilities
- Assist in various cardiac procedures, including emergency procedures, demonstrating versatility and competency.
- Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members based on the requirements of each surgical procedure.
- Under physician supervision, drape the patient within the surgeon’s guidelines.
- Assist in maintaining hemostasis through direct pressure, use of surgical instruments, ties, suture ligatures, chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed.
- Assist in retracting tissues per the surgeon’s directive.
- Use electrocautery, clamps, ligation, and tissue cutting tools.
- Assist in the placement of drains and drainage sutures, and close all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous tissue, skin) as per surgeon’s instructions.
- Procure or harvest saphenous vein and/or radial artery by endoscopic and open methods; prepare vessels for use as conduits.
- Monitor patient vital signs, anesthesia levels, and physiological responses throughout procedures.
- Assist in closing surgical sites and applying dressings.
- Maintain aseptic technique in relation to procedures.
- Possess knowledge of CPR, open cardiac massage, and other relevant procedures.
- Obtain necessary CEUs to maintain certification.
- Assist in patient transfer and positioning as directed.
- Handle pharmaceutical agents on the field under physician and nurse supervision.
- Maintain compliance with all policies, procedures, and standards of conduct, including HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Provide comprehensive care in a clinical setting in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
- Coordinate patient and family education needs.
- Facilitate discharge planning.
- Communicate with surgeons and referring providers regarding care and management plans.
- Submit accurate and timely billing for services rendered.
- Serve as a resource for nursing staff and other healthcare team members.
- Participate in conferences, presentations, staff education, quality improvement initiatives, research activities, and clinical data extraction.
- Maintain current compliance training, hospital privileges, licensures, and certifications.
Qualifications
Experience:
- Previous professional experience in cardiothoracic surgery preferred.
Licensure:
- Must hold or obtain a valid Physician Assistant license in Kentucky.
Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) are required.
Contact Information
stephanie.rogers@uoflhealth.org