(PA) Neurocritical Care Physician Assistant - 140454

UCSD Medical Center Hillcrest is the only medical center in San Diego County with a designated Neurocritical Care Unit and primary Neurocritical Care Service staffed by board-certified neurointensivists. The NCCU is a collaboration with the departments of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology. The NCCU Service will eventually expand to the La Jolla location.

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 assist with consultation on patients in the Emergency Department and from other inpatient departments on other inpatient services. The incumbent will develop and provide education to Physician Assistant students, nurses, medical students, interns, residents, and fellows. The incumbent will function as liaison to counselors, social workers, research nurses, 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.

• 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/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Minimum of one (1) year recent work experience as a licensed Physician Assistant in an ICU.

• 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.

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

• Proven ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner using online medical systems such as EPIC.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful and accurate manner.

• Demonstrated 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 housestaff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of surgical care.

• Demonstrated experience 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.

• Working knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patients care and well-being and skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• 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.

• Demonstrated experience to write accurate orders regarding execution of inpatient or outpatient plans of treatment.

• Demonstrated experience to properly and compassionately counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations.

• Excellent verbal and written 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.

• Working knowledge of operating room standards and techniques, and of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.

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

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

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• 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.
• Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two (2) years.