Surgical Physician Assistant - First-Assist & Postop Care

Surgery Partners, Inc; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 129,875 - 169,582; Full time

Job summary

Surgery Partners, Inc is seeking a Surgical Physician Assistant to provide comprehensive medical care for surgical patients under a licensed surgeon's supervision. The PA will handle pre-operative assessments, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative management to ensure safe, high-quality care across the surgical continuum.

Requirements include a Master’s degree from an accredited PA program, current PA licensure, and NCCPA certification.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operative patient evaluations, including history and physical examinations.
• Assist surgeons during operative procedures, including first assist duties as credentialed.
• 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.

Skills

First assist duties

EHR documentation

Pre-operative evaluation

Education

Master’s degree from an accredited PA program

Job description

Job Title: Physician Assistant, Surgical

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
• Assist surgeons during operative procedures, including first assist duties as credentialed
• 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
  
  

Minimum Requirements

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