Trauma Physician Assistant (PA) - Night Shift

Society of Critical Care Medicine; Cleveland, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The MetroHealth System in Cleveland is seeking a Trauma Night Physician Assistant to deliver overnight trauma care in our high-acuity Level 1 center, collaborating with trauma surgeons, residents and nursing staff. You will perform initial and ongoing assessments, respond to activations, stabilize high-acuity patients, and document care plans with a focus on patient safety and seamless handoffs.

Weekend and holiday coverage is required.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited master's degree program for Physician Assistant.
• National certification through NCCPA.
• Licensure: PA license in Ohio.
• DEA registration eligibility.
• Current BLS certification.
• ATLS certification within 180 days of hire.
• Other advanced life support certifications within 180 days.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with trauma team to provide overnight care for trauma patients.
• Perform initial and ongoing assessments, review labs/imaging, and document treatment plans.
• Respond to trauma activations, perform trauma surveys, stabilize high‑acuity patients per ATLS.
• Evaluate and manage changes in clinical status; escalate as needed.
• Perform bedside procedures for trauma patients and manage post‑operative care in coordination with surgeons.
• Coordinate care with multidisciplinary teams and ensure proper documentation.

Skills

PA licensure

ATLS certification

BLS certification

NCCPA certification

Education

Master's degree in Physician Assistant

Job description

Position Overview:

The Trauma Physician Assistant (PA) delivers direct patient care consistent with the PA's education, experience, and certification, in collaboration with the attending Trauma Surgery physicians. This includes the diagnosis, management, and referral of health care issues specific to Trauma. The PA will provide comprehensive overnight management of adult trauma patients in a fast-paced Level 1 Trauma Center environment.

The Trauma Night PA will primarily provide overnight coverage for patients admitted to the Trauma Service, respond to trauma activations, and assist with the evaluation and management of acute changes in patient condition. This role provides an opportunity to practice at the highest level of an PAs training while caring for a diverse and complex trauma population. The Trauma Night PA will remain separate from the Trauma/Surgical ICU APP team and will not be responsible for routine ICU coverage or management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Trauma attending physicians, surgical residents and Trauma APPs to provide comprehensive overnight care for trauma patients.

• Perform initial and ongoing assessments of trauma patients, including review and interpretation of laboratories, imaging, and clinical data to develop and document appropriate assessments and treatment plans.

• Respond to trauma activations in the resuscitation bay, perform trauma survey assessments, and stabilize high-acuity patients in accordance with Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines.

• Independently evaluate and manage changes in clinical status, including recognition of patient deterioration and escalation of care when appropriate.

• Perform bedside procedures for surgical and non-surgical trauma patients.

• Provide overnight management of patients across the trauma service, including the trauma floor.

• Provide pre- and post-operative management of trauma patients and collaborate with the surgical team regarding operative and non-operative treatment plans.

• Work collaboratively with Trauma Surgery attendings, residents, nursing, intensivists, and other multidisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care.

• Complete timely documentation, orders, and implementation of care plans.

• Assist with patient disposition and coordination of care, including communication with consulting services and multidisciplinary teams.

• Promote patient and family education, advocacy, and engagement throughout the trauma care process.

• Uphold the mission, vision, values, and customer service standards of The MetroHealth System.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited master's degree program for:
• Physician Assistant (PA)
• National certification through NCCPA
• Licensure:
• PA: License through the State Medical Board of Ohio.
• Eligibility for federal DEA registration.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification obtained within 180 days of hire.
• Additional advanced life support certifications (as applicable to practice area) obtained within 180 days of hire.
• Knowledge of sterile techniques and aseptic practices.
• Meet requirements for clinical privileges in the specialty/department with The MetroHealth System and apply for privileges at the time of hire.
• Maintain a standard care arrangement or supervision agreement as required by Ohio law.

Preferred Qualifications (preferred but not required for otherwise qualified candidates):

• One year of Advanced Practice Provider experience.
• Experience in trauma surgery, emergency general surgery, surgical critical care, or another acute care setting.
• Experience caring for high-acuity trauma or critically ill patients.
• Proficiency in procedural skills such as central and arterial line placement, ventilator management, chest tube placement, laceration repair, and FAST exams.
• Experience managing trauma patients in a Level 1 trauma center.

Additional Notes:

Other department-specific qualifications for providers will be addressed through the Certificate of Authority and credentialing process.

Work Environment:

The PA will work at The MetroHealth System's primary facility in Cleveland, home to Cleveland's most experienced Level 1 Adult Trauma Center. This position is specifically designed to provide overnight trauma coverage in a high-acuity, fast-paced clinical environment. This position is primarily focused on nightshift coverage, with holidays and weekend coverage required.

About The MetroHealth System:

The MetroHealth System is a nationally recognized public health care system committed to providing outstanding care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. As one of the largest, most comprehensive health systems in Northeast Ohio, MetroHealth operates an integrated network of hospitals, health centers, and outpatient clinics. The organization is dedicated to fostering innovation, improving community health, and advancing medical education and research. Learn more at www.metrohealth.org.

MetroHealth's Trauma Center:

MetroHealth's Trauma Center is Cleveland's most experienced Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, known for delivering cutting-edge, lifesaving care to critically injured patients. The center's multidisciplinary approach ensures seamless collaboration between trauma surgeons, specialists, and advanced practice providers. Recognized for its excellence in trauma care, MetroHealth's Trauma Center plays a vital role in the region, serving as a leader in trauma education, research, and outreach programs designed to enhance injury prevention and improve outcomes for the community.