DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Director of the Neurocritical Care Service and other designated physician team members, the incumbent will perform operational level duties and serve as a key member of the Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) inpatient service. The incumbent will provide ongoing direct patient care delivery; provide full clinical support in the management of inpatient services for a diverse population of patients, and consultation on patients in the Emergency Department and from other inpatient departments on other inpatient services. The incumbent will develop and educate advanced practice students, nurses, medical students, interns, residents, and fellows.

The incumbent will function as a liaison to counselors, social workers, research staff, other clinical support staff, and family members of the NCCU patient. Also, the incumbent will assist in orientation and training of NCCU residents, and develop and implement policy and procedures related to the management of critical care patients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

• Must have BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within 6 months of hire date.

• Minimum one (1) year licensed working PA experience. Inpatient critical care experience highly preferred. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, work experience must be within the past two years.

• Theoretical background in anatomy, physiology, neurosciences general medicine, pulmonary, emergency or critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, pharmacology, or counseling techniques and interpersonal dynamics.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, including that associated with central nervous system and spine to medically manage critically ill complex stroke, intracerebral/subarachnoid hemmorrhage, neurological and post-op surgery, and neuroendovascular patients.

• Ability to perform initial history and physical examination, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• Ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner using online medical systems such as Epic.

• Skills to operate appropriate medical equipment, i.e., Swan-Ganz catheters, central venous pressure monitors, electrocardiograph machines, cardiac defibrillator, transducer systems, digital read-out equipment, and medical computer systems. Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Knowledge to instruct house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Ability to assess the daily status and progress of patients, and accurately report findings to the physician in-charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

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

• Ability to write accurate orders regarding execution of inpatient, outpatient plans of treatment.

• Ability in properly and compassionately counseling patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations.

• Excellent communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and follow strict HIPAA guidelines.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility. Ability to work independently and/or in a team framework, and in an environment that interacts with a diverse population of patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven fluency in oral and written communications in both English and Spanish.

• Experience and knowledge of clinical and ancillary services within the UCSD Medical Center.

• Neurocritical care or inpatient neurology/neurosurgery experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to provide at least 6 shifts of availability per month.
• Work location is both Hillcrest Medical Center and Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges and maintain during employment.
• Must be able to work various hours (primarily night shift), weekends, on-call and various locations.