Cardiac Surgery Physician Assistant

The Tufts Cardiac Surgery PA covers all aspects of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of adult cardiac surgery patients. This includes care provided in the operating room, cardiac surgery ICU, inpatient ward and outpatient clinic settings. Typical daily work includes performing daily rounds, developing and implementing treatment plans, ordering and interpreting diagnostic testing and first-assisting in operative cases. The cardiac surgery PA works closely with a multi-disciplinary team including cardiac surgery, critical/intensive care, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing. The cardiac surgery PA is responsible for communication between these team members as well as patients. There is the potential for OR training if desired.

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree. 

2. Graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Program 

3. Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (for new graduates, required to be obtained within one year of hire).

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification. certification

5. Eligible for state and federal controlled substances registration. 

6. Ability to interact positively with all members of the multidisciplinary care team, patients and families

7. Emotional intelligence to work collaboratively in a fast paced, high acuity environment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

One or more years of Physician Assistant experience, ideally within cardiac surgery and/or the intensive care setting

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Obtains a detailed medical history and performs a comprehensive physical examination of cardiac surgical patients.

2. Performs preoperative preparation and postoperative care of patients and reinforces information presented by the attending physician to the patient and/or family as necessary.  Coordinates care of various disciplines and specialties, orders necessary diagnostic tests, consultations, and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician. 

3. Performs postoperative management of critically ill surgical patients under the direction and supervision of a cardiac surgeon and/or critical care intensivist. Such duties include management of vasoactive agents, invasive monitoring lines, ventilator/respiratory support, and mechanical circulatory support devices, among others.

4. Performs bedside diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures as indicated or directed by the attending physician, including but not limited to, insertion of arterial, central venous lines, and Swan-Ganz catheters, wound debridement, and endotracheal intubation. 

5. Performs basic and advanced cardiac life support procedures as necessary and directs these efforts until the arrival of a senior physician. 

6. Prepares patients for transfer or discharge, including patient and family teaching, continuing care and rehabilitation arrangements, writes discharge prescriptions, and confirms primary care or referring physician follow-up. 

7. Prescribes medications for patients in accordance with service policies and/or attending physician's instructions. 

8. Performs and maintains accurate and timely documentation of clinical care, including daily notes, consultation notes, transfer/discharge/death summaries, and others as necessary. 

9. Participates in the education of students and residents assigned to the surgical services. 

10. Participates in Process/Quality improvement initiatives as part of the Cardiac Surgery Division and Service Line.

Physical Requirements:  

1. Ability to work within the semi-restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas. including prolonged periods standing upright (e.g. assisting during surgery).

2.Accept possibility of physical injury inherent to surgical/medical work, including cuts from sharp instruments and exposure to blood and bodily fluids, radiation, and hazardous chemicals.   

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Ability to perform under sometimes high stress and high stakes circumstances.

2. Possess the maturity, self-confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans.

3. High emotional intelligence and team-oriented disposition.

4. Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention practices. 

5. Knowledge of relevant anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology and pharmacology to ensure that optimal patient care is provided.