At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for a Physician Assistant to work with our orthopaedic providers at the River North Ambulatory Surgery Center. The APP will be working with patients from a variety of orthopaedic subspecialties including sports, foot and ankle, and hand surgery. They will perform presurgical history and physical exams, patient education, procedural consent, acute post-surgical care and will be responsible for safely discharging patients from the PACU with appropriate medication reconciliation and discharge plan. The PA will work closely with the orthopaedic surgeons, orthopaedic APPs, anesthesia team and other support staff. 

Schedule: M-F, days; no nights/weekend/holidays/on-call

Responsibilities 

Clinical 

• Provides direct clinical care to patients and may be required to perform duties as surgical first-assist for various orthopaedic subspecialties as needed 
• Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in specialty area 
• Orders necessary medications needed in the preoperative area and intraoperatively  
• Prescribes medications, diet, supplies, prosthetic devices and other home health aides or medication according to clinical privileges 
• Orders and interprets appropriate laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms and diagnostic procedures specified in clinical privileges 
• Evaluates patients to determine their appropriateness for discharging home 
• Responsible for postoperative medication management and summaries as well as aftercare instructions  
• Teaches and counsels patients and families in post-surgical care, anticipated outcomes, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs 
• Must be comfortable with basic procedural skills including casting/splinting, dressing changes, wound care and responsibilities as a surgical first-assist  
• Documents in the medical record all care provided and/or procedures performed 
• Serves as consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise 

• Integrates research-based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making  
• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation 
• Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging 
• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First" 
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate 
• May perform other duties as assigned 

Administrative 

• Participate in appropriate quality assurance programs 
• Participate in Orthopaedic Surgery Department process improvement initiatives 
• Assist in development of patient and medical professional educational materials 
• Assist in the development of presurgical and postoperative protocols 

Research 

• Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate 

Leadership/Organization 

• Mentors staff to ensure quality of health care practices 
• Assists with policy development and review in area of expertise 
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional and/or hospital committees/task forces 

• Consults with management in assessment, problem solving, decision making, and evaluating clinical/system issues 

Education 

• Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and their families 
• Willing to serve as a mentor and/or preceptor to students  
• Serve as a resource for the surgical service nursing staff, medical students and residents regarding surgery patient care 

Quality and Outcomes:

• Identifies primary patient needs, participates as applicable in the NMG quality program with focus on measures in patient satisfaction, quality performance, and access.
• Perform and coordinate administrative and other clinical program duties as assigned or indicated.
• Develop and monitor indicators of quality care and patient satisfaction for a specific patient population.
• May perform other duties as assigned

Required:

• Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistant Programs.
• Physician Assistant in Medicine, Licensed (IL).
• Physician Assistant certification by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation.
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required as specified by department.
• Controlled substance license and DEA registration required as specified by the department.
• Minimum of two (2) years as a practicing PA in orthopaedics.
• Experience in PACU, ICU, anesthesia/pain management, inpatient, or another surgical specialty may also be considered.   
• No new grads

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.