Under the supervision of a surgeon, performs advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tasks related to surgery and trauma. 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.

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Bachelor of Science degree in an AMA approved Physician or Surgeon Assistant program. 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 a Nurse Practitioner in a specialty area of nursing from the State of Michigan.

-AND-

Two (2) years of work experience as a clinical practitioner performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tasks related to surgery and trauma at Hurley Medical Center or a Level I or II trauma center.

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

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

State of Michigan Controlled Substance License (PAs 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.

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


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


3. Assists in orientation and instruction of students and other personnel.


4. 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.


5. Performs advanced clinical procedures to include saphenous vein harvest, chest tube placement and removal, thoracentesis, paracentesis, pleurodesis, abdominal lavage, escharotomy, paracardiocentesis, arterial lines placement, venous cutdowns, abdominocenteses, emergency suturing, and tracheotomies.


6. Provides coverage and patient care in surgical and burn clinics.


7. Takes call and/or House Officer Responsibility to provide complete surgical coverage in surgery and trauma care as scheduled.


8. Attends continuing medical education seminars and conferences to maintain licensure and currency in field.


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


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