Physician Assistant - Presurgical Evaluation Clinics

Position Summary:

Will perform pre-operative/pre-anesthesia assessment at the University Campus and Iowa River Landing locations of the Presurgical Evaluation Clinics for patients scheduled for surgery at a UI Healthcare Location; the PA will exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided. Shifts will be 10 hours, from 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM.

Position Responsibilities:

• Perform preoperative risk assessments for patients undergoing surgical and procedural sedation across the life span.
• Reviews patient record including prior anesthetics, surgical and nursing work-up, consultant work-up, and other relevant clinical notes and testing procedures.
• Evaluates patient according to the standard anesthetic evaluation, understanding that this standard evaluation may evolve with time. This standard evaluation will include obtaining the patient’s medical history, airway exam, examination of heart and lungs, and other clinically indicated organ systems.
• Evaluate patients comprehensive medical history; order laboratory testing and imaging as necessary.
• Interpret and follow-up on testing to ensure chronic health conditions are optimized prior to scheduled procedures.
• Communicating with surgical team about pertinent patient safety concerns regarding surgery.
• Assist patients in understanding how chronic health conditions impact their overall health and risk associated with surgery and anesthesia.
• Assists patients in understanding teaching materials provided for their anesthetic.
• Assists patients in interpretation of NPO instructions.
• Instruct patients regarding medications to be taken on the day of surgery, including insulin and anticoagulation.
• Writes orders for appropriate medications in both preoperative and pre-procedure phase of care (e.g. smoking cessation aid, Blood pressure medications, EMLA cream, anti-emetics etc.) Directs requests for relevant outside medical records which may include telephone calls to outside physicians, their offices or hospitals.
• Communicates with other services within or outside the hospital to request further consultation or work-up.
• Arranges for communication of special needs or concerns to the anesthesia team.
• Makes observations to the clinic director regarding issues that seem to dissatisfy patients or lead to inefficiency.
• Assists in teaching duties of the position to substitutes and/or replacements. Also teaches pre-operative/pre-anesthesia evaluation both by example and by direct instruction to SRNA students.
• Establishes and maintains standards of collaborative interaction among peers and employees that is characterized by respect, honesty and service; assures that all unit members are held to similar standards and ethics.
• Manages the talents, strengths and behaviors of individuals in various work groups, while providing each employee with the opportunity to contribute to the goals of the unit. Works to assure that all employees are respected and treated consistent with University policies.
• Inspires and motivates others to high performance by exercising strong stewardship of University resources, setting expectations, measuring success through individual performance evaluations, and driving organizational results.
• Identifies opportunities for and creates development plans that encourage employees to attend to the growth of their personal and professional capacity; engages self and staff in collective reflection of the University’s greater role in society.

• Other duties as assigned.

The department intends to hire for one position as either an ARNP, requisition 26002592 or PA, requisition 26002593, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please apply to the specific position for which you which to be considered or both.