Performs diagnostic and therapeutic tasks related to surgery and trauma under the supervision of a surgeon. Acts as first or second assistant in surgery. Participates in pre- and post-operative patient care. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior. Works under the medical supervision of the surgeon and the administrative direction of the Administrator for Surgical Services or designee who reviews results for compliance to established standards of practice.

Responsibilities

Assists surgeon in preoperative patient care and workup. Performs and records histories and physical examinations. Writes routine admission orders. Orders and read appropriate laboratory, radiologic and other diagnostic tests and studies. Confirms operating schedule. Summarizes case prior surgery. Writes routine preoperative orders, admission notes. Orders consults.

Acts as first or second assistant in surgery under supervision of surgeon.

Conducts rounds of post operative patients. Notes and reports patient progress, response and complications. Makes appropriate course adjustments and interventions in consult with surgeon. Dictates discharge summaries.

Performs therapeutic procedures as directed and supervised by surgeon including catheter insertion, nasogastric, feeding tube placements, drawing arterial blood gases, femoral venipunctures.

Provides coverage and patient care in surgical and burn clinics. Acts in consult with surgeon for pediatric clinic in surgical cases.

Takes call to provide complete surgical coverage in surgery.

Serves as a resource person for other staff. Participates in continuing education seminars and conferences to maintain current licensure and currency in field.

Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently and treat (if appropriate) unique needs of patient age groups served.

Performs other related duties as required, including new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.

Qualifications

Master of Science degree in an AMA approved Physician or Surgeon Assistant program preferred.

Licensure as a Physician Assistant in the State of Michigan.

Physician Assistant Certification by the National Commission of Physician Assistants.

-OR-

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university.

Master of Science in Clinical Nursing from an accredited college or university.

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse from the State of Michigan.

Current certification as Nurse Practitioner in a specialty area of nursing from the State of Michigan.

-AND-

Ability to direct the work of subordinates towards the accomplishment of departmental goals and objectives.

Ability to communicate in oral and written format.

Ability to develop high level clinical expertise in the field of neurosurgery.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, superiors, subordinates and Medical Center staff.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

State of Michigan Controlled Substance License (PA's only)

Completion of Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training within one (1) year of appointment and maintain certification throughout employment. Failure to become certified within the specified period may result in the employee's termination.