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CRITICAL CARE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Job Title: CRITICAL CARE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Job Code: 5525
FLSA: E
Job Level: I2
Revised Date: 02/01/2024
Supervisory Responsibility: No

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General Description of the Job Class

The Critical Care Physician Assistant (CCPA) is a member of the intensive care team and his/her primary responsibility is the management of a caseload of critically ill complex (multi-organ) patients in an intensive care setting. The CCPA is under the direct supervision of the ICU supervising physician or designated back-up physicians. The CCPA has specialized skill and knowledge related to the unique ICU setting in which s/he practices (e.g. ICN, PICU, PBMT unit, Neuro ICU, etc.) and performs physical exams, collects and documents data, conducts approved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, orders and schedules laboratory studies and professional consultations, prescribes appropriate interventions and medications, and provides direct patient care services in a specific ICU or step-down unit. The CCPA contributes to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, consulting, and provides leadership to the organization and to the Physician Assistant profession.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Provide direct clinical services for critically ill neonates, pediatric, and/or adult patients with multi-organ trauma or multi-system disease / failure, according to established protocols and utilizes evidence-based clinical practice standards under the supervision of the ICU supervising physician.

Obtain patient health histories and complete physical examinations. Document findings noting pertinent normal and abnormal findings.

Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests. Explain the necessity, preparation, nature and anticipated effects of procedure (s) to patients, patient's family, staff, and healthcare learners.

Perform approved therapeutic or diagnostic procedures based upon patient's clinical status. Document patient preparation and response to procedure(s).

Formulate and implement treatment plan for acute illness management in collaboration with the designated primary supervising physician and/or attending back-up physician(s). Document in medical records and appropriate narrative summaries. Utilize prescriptive privileges as allowed by the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Document all prescriptions in patient's medical record.

Assess patient for change in status and institute appropriate interventions. Initiate necessary emergency interventions to stabilize patient.

Provide family-centered care by communicating with the family regarding the changing health care needs of their infant, child, or family member. Assess family adaptation, coping skills and the need for crisis or other intervention. Utilize current research and evidence-based decision- making in all clinical practice. Incorporate clinical research findings in the development and implementation of standards of care.

Support IRB approved clinical research/trials though a variety of activities including but not limited to: obtaining consent; ordering diagnostic tests; recording laboratory & diagnostic results; administering therapeutic interventions; and documenting and reporting patient outcomes including toxicities or adverse events.

Perform and participate in quality/performance improvement activities and clinical research.

Serve as a clinical expert and leadership consultant to members of the healthcare team and to the larger community.

Participate in and support accreditation, compliance, and regulatory activities of the organization.

Identify educational needs of the family and participate in teaching opportunities.

Assess educational needs, plan, provide, and evaluate educational programs for nursing staff, interdisciplinary healthcare team, and community. Precept physician assistant students and other new healthcare learners.

Participate in the development, review, and evaluation of critical care medical management practice protocols within legal guidelines in compliance with DUHS policies.

Role model professionalism through conduct, appearance, communication, mutual respect, leadership, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrate responsibility for professional practice through active participation in professional organizations and continuing education. Enhance the body of knowledge to the Physician Assistant profession or other areas of specialization through exchange of ideas and knowledge in professional organizations, oral presentations, posters, research activities, and written publications.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Experience

One year as a Physician Assistant in a critical care setting required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Must be licensed in the state of NC, and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. BLS required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.