(PA) Sr. Physician Assistant - Cardiac Medicine - 140527

As the largest and oldest department within the UC San Diego School of Medicine, the Department of Medicine employs nearly 500 faculty members and 1,000 academic appointees, residents, fellow, postdocs, and staff, in pursuit of its academic, clinical, and research missions.

Under the direction of the attending Physician, in collaboration with Nursing Leadership, incumbent provides direct care to cardiac patients. Serves as liaison between patients and physicians, responsible for providing routine care and management of patients with acute and chronic complaints with physician and other team members. Responsible for providing excellent patient care, offering high level of compassion and comfort discussing pain and symptom management to develop patient's plan care. Will work in collaboration with the physician, and is directly accountable for making clinical judgments using independent and interdependent decision-making skills. Primary focus is on the provision of direct and indirect patient care in managing the health care needs of the identified patient population. Position requires special knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of cardiology, specifically, advanced heart failure, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. Evaluates and manages patient population, with appropriate referral and collaboration with Attending Physician(s). Participates in care coordination, patient tracking and monitoring, and documentation. Working with Attending Physician(s).

The Senior Physician Assistant is expected to practice consistent with Professional Standards of Practice. Collaborate judgment with physician is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Under general supervision, the Senior PA performs operational level duties as described in the Series Concept. The major emphasis of this position is direct patient care delivery. Assignments at this level primarily encompass management of patients who present chronic and/or episodic health problems. Assignments at this level may include responsibility for occasional community teaching programs, participation in program planning and development of patient education information. May perform other related duties as assigned.While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

• Must be a graduate from a physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

• California Physician Assistant (PA) license.

• Current PA Certification from NCCPA.

• BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six months of hire date.

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience providing cardiovascular inpatient and/or outpatient care to complex cardiology patients, including transplant and LVAD populations.

• Posses the skills, knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. Specific qualification requirements are defined for positions by the appropriate user departments.

• Proven knowledge of common diagnostic tests, exams, procedures used in adult medicine. Skill in interpreting lab test and diagnostic results commonly used in the clinical area.

• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology and basic medical equipment, with ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures and protocols for patient care management.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patient's care and wellbeing and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Excellent assessment skills, including analyzing and interpreting data in a meaningful way, and ability to make clinically sound decisions in a fast paced environment. Additionally, ability to assess the daily status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.t.

• Proficiency in complete care of the cardiac patient including ability to write orders regarding execution of inpatient plans of treatment.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including, ability to communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing, and using tact and diplomacy in order to interact effectively with all levels of professional staff and a diversity of patients. Skill in appropriate telephone techniques. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse population. Demonstrated high level of professionalism. Ability to function as part of a team.

• Demonstrated computer experience using Electronic Medical Records, databases, word processing and spreadsheet.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill to perform patient care techniques, i.e., IV insertion, taking vital signs, collecting lab specimens, administering medications, initiating and monitoring IVs, setting up sterile trays and assisting in procedures. Knowledge and skill in performing emergency procedures.

• Demonstrate ability to work independently. Ability to problem solve, make decisions and take appropriate actions.

• Demonstrate ability to identify when a patient's needs are outside the scope of their practice and expertise and arranges for additional services to meet these needs. Skill in assessing learning needs of patients and staff. Ability to teach and provide in-services for patients, families and staff.

• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices. Ability to follow policies, procedures and standards of patient care practice.

• Skills and knowledge in the fields of Cardiovascular Medicine.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate situations.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD medical staff privileges and maintain them during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years, gained through school or work experience.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to work flexible, variable hours with the ability to change schedule on short notice. Position may occasionally require the ability to work evenings/nights.
• Work location - Primary locations are Hillcrest and Rancho Bernardo, occasional coverage at affiliate sites will be required. Primary work location may change subject to operational needs of the department.