Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - First Assist Outpatient - Neurosurgery

MUSC Health; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MUSC Health is seeking a qualified Physician Assistant to provide first assist support to Neurosurgeons during surgeries and in outpatient clinics. The candidate will collaborate with hospital teams, manage patient care effectively, and ensure adherence to treatment protocols.

Requirements include completion of an accredited PA or NP program with relevant certifications. At least 2 years of experience in spine/neurosurgery is preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of spine/neurosurgery first assist NP/PA-C experience.
• Completion of required licensure as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Provide first assist support in the operating room.
• Collaborate with Neurosurgery teams for patient care.
• Document patient care activities.

Skills

Spine/neurosurgery experience

Patient communication

Administrative support

Physical examinations

Documentation and billing

Education

Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program or Nurse Practitioner program

Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP certification

Family NP certification

Registered Nurse First Assistant certification

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Tools

EPIC

Job description

Summary

Providing first assist support to Neurosurgeon(s) in the operating room; provide support and care in spine/neuro-surgery outpatient clinics; collaborate with Neurosurgery teams, hospital and outpatient care teams to coordinate patient care; communicate with patients regarding care and concerns; provide administrative support and follow up to ensure patient care is orderly and effective; follow protocols for clinical trials, if necessary.

Work Hours

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Mon-Fri).

Training & Licensure Requirements

• Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program and current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Physician Assistant, OR
• Completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program and current licensure or eligibility for licensure as an APRN.

Licensure & Certification

• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPNP/ANP) – adult patients (13 years to death).
• Family NP (FNP) – birth to death.
• Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) – required for NP candidates.
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• State licensure/DEA license application to be started prior to first day.

Preferred Experience

At least 2 years of spine/neurosurgery first assist NP/PA-C experience.

Degree of Supervision

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant will be assigned a Primary Supervising/Collaborating Physician employed by MUSC and will report directly to this physician.

Job Duties

• Takes comprehensive history and performs physical examinations.
• Evaluates and treats patients based on history, physical examination, radiologic, laboratory, and other diagnostic test results pursuant to scope of practice guidelines.
• Initiates referrals or consults with the attending or collaborating physician.
• Documents and bills for direct care provided.
• Utilizes current research and evidence-based decision-making in all clinical practice.
• Performs and participates in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research.
• Participates in and supports accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities.
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education.
• Precepts students and facilitates learning of new team members.
• Maintains licenses, certifications, and continuing education as required.
• Manages outpatient needs for a large volume of neurosurgical patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and management.
• Recognizes changes in patient status and responds appropriately.
• Provides primary and specialized care to patients at PA/NP level for spine and other neurosurgery patients; analyzes, interprets, and prioritizes patient data.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for managing independent patient load and billing appropriately.
• Is available to assess add-ons in the clinic and formulates critical pathways for standardized care.
• Plans and maximizes use of OR block time; prepares surgical posting slips and submits paperwork.
• Triages outpatient telephone calls; coordinates referral paperwork.
• Communicates with family members and referring physicians; coordinates follow-up.
• Works with hospital nursing team, residents, interns, inpatient APPs, etc., for discharge and follow-up.
• Coordin­ates with support staff and central offices to maximize clinic scheduling efficiency.
• Documents all patient care activities in EPIC.
• Attends departmental case management and morbidity & mortality conferences weekly.
• Collaborates with other first assist care team members and physicians.
• First assists with Neurosurgery/Spine procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting.
• Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, and reach in all directions.
• Use both hands and legs with good finger dexterity; perform repetitive motions with hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Maintain 20/40 vision (corrected); work in a latex-safe environment.
• Lift, lower, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs unassisted; exert up to 50 lbs of force.
• Lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs.
• Work in dusty, confined, or cramped spaces infrequently.

EEO Statement

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.