Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Location: Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Locum
Company: Palm Careers
Category: Healthcare
Job Description Apply Now
The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) plays a crucial role in supporting cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery teams by providing a full continuum of care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This dynamic and challenging position offers a blend of responsibilities, including first assisting in the operating room (OR), managing patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and delivering direct patient care in clinic settings. As a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C), you will work collaboratively with surgeons, physicians, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. This opportunity is ideal for professionals seeking a flexible, ongoing contract and who are comfortable navigating diverse clinical environments.
Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) - Summary- The Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) provides advanced support for cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures, offering both pre- and post-operative care to patients.
- This role involves a combination of scheduled clinic hours, operating room assistance, ICU management, and on-call duties.
- Ideal for professionals seeking a flexible, contract-based engagement with ongoing shifts throughout the year.
- Working in this position offers the chance to contribute to a highly skilled cardiac and thoracic surgical team, with exposure to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
- Based in a region with a strong healthcare system, this role provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care outcomes.
- Assist cardiothoracic surgeons in the operating room as first or second assist for a variety of cardiac and thoracic procedures.
- Manage pre-operative and post-operative care, including patient evaluations, diagnostic testing, and ongoing monitoring in the ICU and step-down units.
- Deliver direct patient care in outpatient clinic settings, including consultations, follow-up visits, and care coordination.
- Perform procedures such as chest tube insertions, central line placements, and wound care as required by the surgical team.
- Participate in scheduled on-call rotations, responding promptly (within 15 minutes) to beeper calls for urgent clinical needs.
- Document all patient encounters accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR), ensuring compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff, to optimize patient care plans.
- Support office and clinic coverage needs, including patient education, discharge planning, and follow-up care instructions.
- Obtain and maintain hospital privileges, including temporary privileges as needed for locum assignments.
- Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and contract terms.
- Malpractice insurance coverage provided for the duration of the assignment.
- Lodging, mileage, and rental car arrangements included for locum professionals.
- Opportunities for flexible scheduling and ongoing engagement for professionals able to commit to regular monthly shifts.
- Current Physician Assistant (PA-C) certification and active license in good standing; IMLC licensure recognized for multi-state opportunities.
- Board Eligible or Board Certified as a Physician Assistant (PA-C).
- BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required; additional certifications may be preferred depending on hospital policy.
- Experience in cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery is strongly preferred; candidates should be comfortable working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Ability to obtain and maintain hospital and/or surgery center privileges, including temporary privileges as warranted by contract terms.
- Availability to work a minimum of 10-14 shifts per month, with flexibility to adapt to ongoing scheduling needs.
- Proven clinical experience as a Physician Assistant in cardiothoracic or cardiovascular surgery.
- Strong procedural skills with the ability to independently manage pre- and post-operative care.
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality patient care and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Adaptable and dependable, with a willingness to take on both office and on-call responsibilities.
- Team-oriented with a collaborative approach to patient management and care coordination.
- The facility is a certified stroke center and maintains a Trauma Level 2 designation, ensuring exposure to a wide variety of complex cardiac and thoracic cases.
- Temporary privileges are available for qualified candidates to expedite the onboarding process.
- Call coverage is managed via beeper system, with a 1:2 ratio and a 15-minute response time expectation.
- Both inpatient and outpatient care responsibilities are required, providing a comprehensive clinical experience.
- This position offers an excellent opportunity for career growth and skill development in a leading surgical environment.
- If you are a driven and qualified Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (PA-C) looking to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career, we encourage you to apply today by clicking the job application button.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.