Adult Cardiac APC-UofL Jewish Hospital-night shift

I.             Job Summary / Job Purpose

Advanced practice clinicians (APC) will work in collaboration with the CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit) Intensivists and adult cardiothoracic surgical teams.  The APC will provide comprehensive care to the cardiothoracic patients in the step-down units and intensive care units our Jewish Hospital facility.  

Practice includes daily rounding/surgical progress notes on all cardiothoracic patients. Daily inpatient and outpatient management of cardiothoracic patients, which encompasses evaluation and assessment of patients, development, implementation and reassessment of treatment plan, care-coordination, follow-up, and completion of thorough discharge summaries. 

The APC will supervise and mentor registered nurses in the management of all cardiothoracic patients. 

The APC, in collaboration with the physician(s) and multi-disciplinary healthcare team is responsible for participation in cardiovascular service line committees, education of appropriate staff on protocols, patient education and disease management.  

I.             Essential Functions

APC will provide care to cardiothoracic patients in step-down units and other units of the hospital. Population of patients managed/cared for include, but not limited to those with acute decompensated heart failure, post-operative complex cardiac surgical procedures, acute myocardial infarction, complicated endocarditis, aortic dissections, percutaneous temporary ventricular assist support devices, and LVADs.

•       Performs comprehensive History & Physical, Consults, inpatient daily surgical progress             

            notes on adult cardiothoracic patients in CVICU and step-down units in conjunction with

            collaborating physician(s). Assessment and management of chest tubes, epicardial wires, central

            venous lines. Management of anti-arrhythmic medications, anti-coagulation and titration of

            inotropic medications.         

•       Performs outpatient post-operative follow-up care in the office.                                                                                                                    
• Assesses the physical and psychosocial status of clients by means of interview, health history, physical examination, and diagnostic studies.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Recognizes deviations from normal in the physical assessment. Works in collaboration with a physician in formulating treatment plans for health problems and follow-up.
• Writes prescriptions for medication, blood tests, routine diagnostic and follow-up studies and therapeutic measures.
• Requests consultation from physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate and quality patient care.
• Interprets and evaluates findings of studies/tests.
• Relays appropriate information regarding patient care to the collaborating physician.
• Evaluates the quality of care provided and recommends changes for improvement.
• Initiates appropriate actions to facilitate the implementation of therapeutic plans that are consistent with the continuing healthcare needs of the patient.
• Work with and direct a multidisciplinary critical care team including nursing staff, social workers, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, physical/occupation/speech therapists, and pharmacists to provide patient-focused care
• Initiate discussions involving ethical issues and patients' wishes in making treatment decisions, using advance directives, health care proxies, the Hospital Bioethics Committee
• Communicate with caring and respectful behaviors with patients, families, and other involved members of the healthcare team about all treatment decisions and patient prognosis
• Works both collaboratively and independently.
• Shares clinical expertise with professional and supportive personnel. Facilitate the learning of residents, students, and other health care professionals
• Documents and reports care in an accurate, timely manner.
• Works effectively with others. Collaborates with other health disciplines to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Promotes evidenced-based nursing practice/research by participating in clinical research and leading efforts in scientific inquiry.
• Discharges hospitalized patients at the direction of the attending physician and completes discharge summaries of patients’ hospitalization.
• Maintains professional certification in specialty area; attends and participates in national, regional, and/or local educational conferences.
• Varied schedule (weekend rounds required, holiday coverage required)
• Other duties as assigned.

I.             Job Requirements / Qualifications

Education and Certification: APRN: Graduate of the accredited program with Master of Science in Nursing. Board Certification Required. Acute Care Certification focus preferred, but not required. 

PA: Graduate of a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants or its predecessor or successor agencies and has passed the certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or its predecessor or successor agencies.

• Required Licensure: APRN and RN in the state of Kentucky
• Physician Assistant in the state of Kentucky
•  Other certifications: ACLS/BLS certified-Can obtain upon employment. DEA-obtain upon employment