Surgical First Assist- Physician Assistant

Company Description

UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UMBWMC) is a premier healthcare institution, renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service. Here are some key highlights and features of UMBWMC:

Top Workplace Recognitions: UMBWMC has been recognized as a top workplace in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, it received the prestigious recognition of being named a Top Workplace in the USA for 2021. These accolades underscore the exceptional work environment and culture fostered at UMBWMC.

ANCC Pathway to Excellence Designation: As one of only three hospitals in Maryland to receive the ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation, UMBWMC stands out for its commitment to creating a positive work environment for its staff. This designation reflects the organization’s dedication to nursing excellence and quality patient care.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: UMBWMC boasts leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care available. With 285 licensed beds, the medical center is equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs and emergencies.

Expert Staff: UMBWMC is home to over 3,200 employees and more than 800 physicians, all of whom are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to patients. The medical center’s staff includes expert physicians and experienced nursing professionals who specialize in emergency, acute, medical-surgical, and critical care.

Connection to University of Maryland Medical System: As part of the acclaimed University of Maryland Medical System, UMBWMC is connected to a network of medical practices and research facilities, including the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore. This connection ensures that patients have access to the latest research discoveries and medical advancements aimed at improving health outcomes in Maryland and beyond.

Centers of Excellence: UMBWMC is home to several Centers of Excellence, offering expert outpatient healthcare services in specialized areas. These centers provide patients with access to advanced treatments and therapies, delivered by highly skilled medical professionals.

Job Description

Overall, UMBWMC is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the communities it serves, with a focus on excellence, innovation, and compassion. Its commitment to creating a positive work environment for its staff and fostering a culture of excellence makes it a standout institution in the healthcare industry an is seeking a First Assist Surgical Physician Assistant to join our well-established practice.

Under clinical supervision and under the direction of the surgeon assigned, the Physician Assistant – First Assist, assists in the facilitation and performance of surgical procedures. This role collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team by performing and facilitating in safe operations resulting in optimal outcomes for the patient. Also provides an advanced level of comprehensive health care to a specific patient population in collaboration with the medical staff. Patients served include adolescent through adult-older adult.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

• Functions as a surgical assistant as requested by the surgeon and as assigned. Under the direct supervision of a surgeon, assists with the performance of surgical procedures and general patient care in the operating room in accordance with established nursing protocol, policies and procedures. Observable duties may include Tissue handling including making incisions, retracting, dissecting, tying, ligating, stapling, suturing and providing hemostasis.
• Assists in the pre-operative preparation of patients (i.e. draping, patient positioning, surgical scrub, insertion of catheter).
• Responsible to be in the designated operating room prior to the start of surgical cases.
• Responds to the needs of O.R., nursing and anesthesia staff to expedite patient care.
• Vein Harvesting: Independently performs endoscopic vein harvesting under supervision of the surgeon.
• Exhibits highly effective communication skills necessary in explaining procedures to patients, preparing written reports for patient medical charts, and providing preliminary results to health care providers.
• May complete and/or contribute to the immediate post-operative note.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a Physician Assistant educational program approved by the State Board of Licensing or found by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the programs in Maryland required.
• Current state licensure as a Physician Assistant required.
• Experience as a Physician Assistant preferred, not required.
• Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care is required.
• DEA and CDS eligible.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, work independently, take initiative in achieving expected results, and handle confidential information.
• Demonstrates skill in making effective decisions, quality improvement activities, problem solving, crisis management, organizing work and meeting deadlines, attention to detail and follow through, resource management, ability to work successfully with diverse types of individuals including management, clinical staff, and the general public.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required to interact with patient families, departmental units, medical and nursing staff on all essential matters. Demonstrated/documented effective interpersonal skills.
• Maintains updated hospital safety and other mandatory training.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.