Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant-Surgical Services

Position Summary:  Responsible for conducting pre-operative visits, performing chart reviews, and providing medical clearance for low-risk patients scheduled for colonoscopy and upper endoscopy procedures.  The Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner (PA,NP) shall be committed to contributing to the mission of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), “Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health”.   The PA, NP is an employee working under the supervision of the Surgical Services Manager with additional oversite from the Chief of Staff.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Pre-operative Patient Assessments:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Conduct detailed pre-operative evaluations for low-risk patients scheduled for colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, including assessment of medical history, medication review, allergies, comorbid conditions, and overall health status.
• Physical Exam: Perform relevant physical examinations as needed, particularly for patients with existing conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, pulmonary) to assess their readiness for sedation and procedural risks.
• Pre-procedure Testing: Review lab results, ECGs, and other diagnostic tests to assess potential risks and ensure that all necessary pre-operative work-up is completed.
• Medical Risk Assessment: Identify and assess any contraindications to the planned procedures or sedation based on patient health status and medical history. Ensure low-risk patients are cleared for the procedure and determine if further consultations are needed for higher-risk individuals.

Chart Review and Clearance:

• Chart Review: Thoroughly review patient charts to identify key medical history and assess the safety of the procedure, identifying any red flags that might require additional investigation or consultation (e.g., anticoagulation therapy, cardiac issues, respiratory concerns).
• Medical Clearance: Provide clear and concise clearance for low-risk patients to proceed with colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. For patients with potential concerns, make recommendations for further work-up or consults with specialists (e.g., cardiology, pulmonology).
• Coordination with Providers: Communicate with primary care providers, specialists, and gastroenterologists regarding any concerns, clarifications, or additional evaluations required for safe procedural clearance.

Patient Education and Counseling:

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Educate patients on pre-procedure requirements, including bowel preparation for colonoscopy, fasting instructions for upper endoscopy, and other relevant guidelines.
• Procedure Risks and Benefits: Discuss the procedure, explain the benefits, potential risks, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Answer any patient questions and address concerns about sedation or recovery.
• Emotional Support: Provide emotional support to ease any anxiety or concerns related to the procedure, ensuring the patient feels confident and informed.

Documentation and Communication:

• Documentation: Ensure all assessments, clinical findings, and medical clearances are accurately documented in the patient’s electronic health record (EHR).
• Clearance Communication: Provide written clearance or recommendations for further evaluation in a timely manner to facilitate scheduling of procedures.
• Interdisciplinary Communication: Collaborate with other healthcare providers - including endoscopists/surgeons, anesthesia staff, surgery care management team, and nursing staff - to ensure smooth patient care coordination.

Position Qualifications:

• Minimum Education: PA, NP must have completed an approved Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Training Program and received and maintained certification.
• Minimum Experience: Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, with preference for candidates with prior experience in family medicine, internal medicine, gastroenterology or pre-operative assessments. Experience with colonoscopy and upper endoscopy procedures is a plus, but not required.
• License, Certification, Registration: Active certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in Alaska. Current state licensure and certification required. Current DEA license is required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is preferred but not required.
• Equipment/Tools/Word-Aids: Must have the computer skills needed to access computerized medical records.
• Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Needs the skills and knowledge to practice medicine in the area of their specialty.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Ability to supervise and mentor NP and PA students and oversee community Health Aide clinical practice.

Benefits Include:

• Generous PTO – starting at 4.5 weeks per year, accrued over time
• Eleven paid holidays
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement plans
• Employee Wellness Center
• Plus More!

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