APP - Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner II | Thoracic Surgery

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Work Shift:

Varies (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Union Position:

No

Department Details

The nurse practitioner or physician assistant is a skilled member of the allied healthcare team, who is expected to practice at the highest level of their licensure. This requires providers to stay up to date with the latest evidence-based medicine. They work collaboratively with the Hospitalist to facilitate acute care of the adult patient. This individual works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, case managers and other healthcare disciplines, utilizing a team approach. The nurse practitioner participates in all aspects of care of the hospitalized patient, including admissions, discharge, daily rounds and patient education.

In this role at the Marshfield Clinic Health System, you will be the face and independent provider of our lung nodule program in Weston, Wisconsin. This is a new program that is being implemented here at MCHS. This role will work in partnership with the thoracic surgeon. There will be outreach to the Marshfield Center to help support the clinic there.

Summary

The Thoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care to patients undergoing evaluation and treatment for thoracic diseases. This includes pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative care in collaboration with thoracic surgeons and the interdisciplinary team. The NP serves as a patient advocate, educator, and liaison across inpatient and/or outpatient settings.

Job Description

Conduct comprehensive histories and physical exams for thoracic surgery patients (e.g., lung, esophageal, mediastinal pathology). Order, interpret, and follow up on diagnostic tests (e.g., imaging, labs, pulmonary function tests). Formulate differential diagnoses and individualized treatment plans. Assist in pre-operative patient preparation and optimization. Provide post-operative care including pain management, wound care, chest tube management, and monitoring for complications. Participate in daily inpatient rounding, progress documentation, and handoffs. Perform bedside procedures within scope of practice (e.g., thoracentesis, wound care, drain removal). Manage outpatient follow-up visits and long-term care coordination. Serve as a liaison between surgical team, referring providers, patients, and families Facilitate smooth transitions of care, including discharge planning and referrals to specialists or ancillary services. Educate patients and families about disease processes, surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and self-care. Document care accurately and timely in the electronic medical record (EMR). Ensure compliance with hospital policies, professional practice standards, and regulatory requirements. This position also provides on-call coverage outside of regularly scheduled hours.

Qualifications

Completion of a master’s, postmaster’s, or doctorate from an accredited nurse practitioner program accredited by the Commission on the Collegiate of Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. If Licensing prior to August 1, 1995, master's degree in nursing is preferred.

Minimum 2 years of experience in surgical or thoracic-related care preferred. Experience managing complex inpatient and outpatient surgical patients is desirable.

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner in each state of practice. Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) permit to prescribe controlled substances in each state of practice. State Controlled Substance License (if required by State) National board certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) or ACNPC-AG), Acute Care Adult (ACNP-BC). Additional certifications require approval from a market executive leader: Family (FNP-BC) or (FNP–C), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP-BC) or (A-GNP), Adult (ANP-C) Obtains and subsequently maintains required specific competencies and certifications as outlined on privilege form. Privileging documents and related credentialing requirements will supersede this job description in defining minimum qualifications, criteria, and scope of practice, if variation between documents exists

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