Physician Assistant, Surgical

Animas Surgical Hospital; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 129,875 - 169,582; Full time

Job summary

Animas Surgical Hospital in Durango, CO, is seeking a Surgical Physician Assistant to provide comprehensive medical care for surgical patients, under a licensed surgeon. The role covers pre-operative assessment, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative management to ensure safe, high-quality patient care across the surgical continuum.

Responsibilities include pre-op evaluations, postoperative rounds, testing interpretation, and care coordination.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited PA program
• Current PA licensure in the state of practice
• NCCPA certification required
• Experience in a surgical setting preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operative evaluations and history/physical examinations
• Manage post-operative care including rounds and discharge planning
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and imaging within scope
• Develop and implement treatment plans with surgical team
• Document encounters in EHR accurately
• Communicate with patients, families, surgeons, nurses and staff
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and safety standards
• Participate in on-call coverage and surgical rotations
• Assist with patient education regarding procedures and recovery
• Support quality improvement initiatives and clinical best practices
• Attend departmental meetings and continuing education
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervising physician or administration

Skills

Surgical assisting

Preoperative assessment

Intraoperative support

Electronic Health Records

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in PA

State PA license

NCCPA certification

Job description

Animas Surgical Hospital
575 Rivergate Ln
Durango, CO 81301, USA

Job Summary: The Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) provides comprehensive medical care to surgical patients under the supervision of a licensed surgeon. This role includes pre-operative assessment, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative management to ensure high-quality, safe, and effective patient care throughout the surgical continuum.

Reports To: Supervising Physician | Director, Outpatient Services

Salary Range: $129,875- $169,582(salary range is intentionally broad as pay will be determined based on qualifications, experience and eligibility for bonuses)

Essential Job Functions

• Perform pre-operative patient evaluations, including history and physical examinations
• Manage post-operative care, including rounding, wound care, and discharge planning
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, labs, and imaging within scope of practice
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with the surgical team
• Document patient encounters accurately in electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, surgeons, nurses, and ancillary staff
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols, patient safety standards, and regulatory requirements

Additional Duties

• Participate in on-call coverage and surgical rotations as required
• Assist with patient education regarding procedures, recovery, and follow-up care
• Support quality improvement initiatives and clinical best practices
• Participate in departmental meetings, training, and continuing medical education
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervising physician or administration

Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current Physician Assistant licensure in the state of practice
• NCCPA certification required

Experience:

• Previous experience in a surgical setting preferred (new graduates may be considered depending on specialty)
• Experience assisting in operative procedures and managing post-operative patients preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods during surgical procedures
• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients as needed (up to 50 pounds with assistance)
• Manual dexterity to perform surgical assisting and clinical procedures
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments

Working Conditions/Environmental Exposures Environmental hazards such as chemicals, solvents, needles, needle containers, sharps, blood, body fluids, various infectious/communicable diseases, infectious medical waste, radiation, and/or radioactive materials and/or radioactive waste, proximity to moving mechanical parts. Protective clothing/equipment may be necessary.

ASH IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS REQUIREMENTS – Aligns with CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Healthcare Personnel

• Hepatitis B- Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Hepatitis B or three doses Hep B vaccine at appropriate intervals
• Influenza- documentation of current seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory from November 1st through March 31st each year)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or 2 doses of MMR Vaccination
• Varicella (chickenpox) - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Varicella or 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) - documented proof of immunization
• Tuberculosis Screening -Documentation of a two-step TB skin test within the past year OR lab verification of a negative TB Gold or T-Spot tuberculin test within the past 6 months

* VACCINE RECORDS OR EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO 1ST DAY OF SCHEDULED WORK

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.