PICU Physician Assistant (PHYSCN AST)

UC Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 122,124 - 161,137; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

On-site work

Career development support

Union representation HX-Healthcare

Job summary

UC Davis Health is seeking a Physician Assistant for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to provide independent clinical expertise for acute and chronic care. This 100% on-site role involves evaluating patients, ordering tests, initiating treatments, and collaborating with ICU staff under established protocols.

Requirements include California PA license, DEA, national board certification, BLS/PALS, and a master’s degree or PA program completion.

Qualifications

• California PA license is required.
• DEA certificate within 3 months of hire.
• National PA board certification.
• AHA BLS or UC Davis Health CPR.
• AHA PALS.
• Master’s or PhD PA program completion or certified PA training.
• Two years PICU/step-down PA experience.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Good judgment and independent work capability.

Responsibilities

• Inpatient focus (80%), may include other responsibilities listed.
• Professional development (10%).
• Quality and evidence-based practice (5%).
• Research and education involvement (5%).

Skills

PA license

DEA certificate

Board certification

BLS/PALS

Master's degree

2 years PICU experience

flexible hours

communication skills

self-direction

organizational skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in PA program

Job description

To provide independent physician assistant clinical expertise to patients and their families on an on-going basis. This includes the management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g., chemotherapy) as defined by practice agreements for your specific department. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, including operative first assist per approved standardized procedures as identified by the list available on the Medical Staff Office. Patient management decisions are independent where appropriate after assessment of the patient and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other member of the team. PAs are expected to act as an expert resource person for health care providers including nurses, residents, and other ancillary staff.

To provide independent physician assistant clinical expertise to patients and their families on an on-going basis. This includes the management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g., chemotherapy) as defined by practice agreements for your specific department. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, including operative first assist per approved standardized procedures as identified by the list available on the Medical Staff Office. Patient management decisions are independent where appropriate after assessment of the patient and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other member of the team. PAs are expected to act as an expert resource person for health care providers including nurses, residents, and other ancillary staff. Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Physician Assistant Practice Act.

Apply By Date: 08/09/2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications

• California Licensed Physicians Assistant (PA)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certificate within 3 months of hire
• National PA board certification
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) or UC Davis Health CPR
• American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Graduation with a master’s degree or PhD from an accredited Physician Assistant program, or completion of certified Physician Assistant training from an accredited program
• Two (2) years of recent experience as a Physician Assistant in a PICU or step-down setting
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to cope with personal stress experienced by team members, other professionals, and caretakers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role
• Ability to meet minimum standards for hospital credentialing and billing standards as a billable provider

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Inpatient (may include some or all responsibilities listed)
• 10% - Professional Development
• 5% - Quality and Evidence-Based Practice
• 5% - Research and Education

Department Overview

UC Davis Health is at the forefront of incorporating Advanced Practice Providers (APP) as part of interprofessional care teams to support increasing numbers of complex care patients. APPs are vital parts of the multidisciplinary hospital based teams caring for our patients in specialty care throughout the UC Davis Health system.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Physician Assistant role in the PICU includes initial patient evaluation, ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests, initiation of appropriate treatments and medications using established protocols and practices, with appropriate oversight in accordance with state and hospital policy. In addition, the role includes: interaction with multidisciplinary team on ICU rounds, consultation with other providers, communication with patients and families, coordination of multidisciplinary care, admission/transfer/discharge planning, and documentation of care. With appropriate credentials and privileges, the PA may also perform invasive procedures (e.g., placement of central venous and arterial catheters, endotracheal intubation) within their defined scope of practice. PAs may also serve as first responders for institutional rapid response teams, and provide education to patients, family members, ICU members, and medical providers including medical students, residents, and fellow physicians. PAs may participate in the design and implementation of research and/or quality improvement studies within the PICU/PCICU.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $88.65- $116.97
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 138
• UC Job Title: PHYSCN AST
• UC Job Code: 009203
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 10-Hour Day Shifts
• Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page. Yes if you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours!<div?? Wait this line is messed. Let's correct.
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Ability to work flexible hours References reflect an overall meet or exceeds.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks