75% Physician Assistant – Hematology/Oncology (Quad Cities)

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

Assist in the management of patients with hematological / oncological disorders predominately in the outpatient setting at The University of Iowa Healthcare Hematology/Oncology Services at the Quad Cities under the direction of the staff physicians at the University of Iowa. Enroll patients in clinical studies aimed at introducing new therapies for such patients. Evaluate patients and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including bone marrow biopsy/aspiration and lumbar puncture.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of the management of patients in the designated clinical areas assigned.
• Provide care to patients with solid tumors, hematologic disorders and/or patients preparing for or recovering from a blood/marrow transplantation. Such care will at times be independent and at times closely coordinated with but always under the supervision of faculty in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation.
• Perform and document initial evaluation of new and returning patients, including complete history and physical examination and, appropriate orders for treatment. This includes initial evaluations of patient symptoms. Provide specialized care independently or jointly with attending physician as appropriate.
• Prepare and present to the attending physician relevant history, and physical and laboratory information on such patients.
• Provide overall medical care, functioning independently to assess, perform medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and completion of patient care orders, under the supervision of the staff attending. Complete written medical record documentation, including clinic notes, inpatient patient progress notes and hospital discharge summary. Coordinate discharge planning process and appropriate post-discharge follow-up care.
• Perform procedures on patients such as drawing blood, suture removal, performing bone marrow sampling and as training allows – administering intrathecal therapy, use of indwelling CNS catheters, diagnostic lumbar punctures, thoracentesis, paracentesis, management (removal and repair) of indwelling catheters, and perform insertion of peripheral inserted central catheters (PICC lines) for the adult population at UIHC.
• Facilitate communication with internal and external health care providers, as directed by the attending physician. This includes obtaining relevant information from referring physicians and responding to patient calls. Act as coordinator in planning meetings for Iowa and area oncologists to discuss therapy and cooperative efforts.
• Assist in the preparation of chemotherapy orders – all chemotherapy orders need staff MD signature. Counsel patients regarding drugs, side effects, risks and benefits.
• Complete medical record documentation and billing information in a timely manner, consistent with University of Iowa Physicians and Department policies. Submit charges for services rendered ensuring that medical record documentation supports those charges.
• Be available for weekend or extended work hours, as needed, in a scheduled rotation, to address patient care needs.
• Mentor and educate fellows, residents and medical students (and other students) as to the needs and issues of outpatient and inpatient population management and optimal resource utilization.
• Participate and contribute to activities that enhance clinical expertise and nursing knowledge. This includes participation in professional nursing activities in the division, department, hospital, community and Professional organizations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public. Establish and maintain standards of collaborative interaction among peers and employees that is characterized by respect, honesty and service; assure that all unit members are held to similar standards and ethics; constructively manages conflict.
• Manage the talents, strengths and behaviors of each individual in a diverse work group, while providing each employee with the opportunity to contribute to the goals of the unit. Work to assure that all employees are respected and treated consistent with University policies in regard to equal employment opportunity and diversity.
• Inspire and motivate others to high performance by exercising strong stewardship of University resources, setting expectations, measuring success through individual performance evaluations, and driving organizational results.
• Identify opportunities for and creates development plans that encourage employees to attend to the growth of their personal and professional capacity; engage self and staff in collective reflection of the University’s greater role in society.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is received from the staff physicians of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision is exercised over technical support and clerical assistants.

The department intends to hire for one position as either an ARNP, requisition 24005901 or PA, requisition 24005902, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please apply to the specific position for which you which to be considered or both.