POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Advanced Practice Provider will fulfill the criteria for a PA as well as guide, direct, mentor, and orient other APPs in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

Position:  Lead APP

Department: Orthopedic Surgery     

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

The Lead APP is a clinical level APP Leader, whose responsibilities include both clinical and administrative duties:

Clinical:

• Assists physicians in performing procedures consistent with the standards of care and practice guidelines, within the Orthopedic Department.
• Provides patient care management for the clinical departments ambulatory and inpatient care units. Reviews history, performs physical assessment, formulates care plans, and follow-up. Orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests/imaging, and reviews charts for upcoming appointments and needs.
• Completion of minor procedures including: dressing changes, wound care, wound vac change, suture/staple removal, incision and drainage of surgical site, debridement, splinting, IV insertion, collect/analyze specimens, needle aspiration.
• Provides patient and family with appropriate protocols to follow including as needed, pre-operative and post-operative care and other pertinent education.
• Oversees the entire clinical experience to assure that there is coordination and continuum of patient care plans and execution of those plans to tie the service together. Consults with physicians and/or surgeons regarding the care of patients for more complex diagnosis. Dictates discharge and transfer summaries in a timely manner.  Ensures patient discharge is coordinated with social worker, pharmacist, physical therapist, and/or other services as needed.
• Serves as a liaison between clinical and administrative staff, clinical and nursing staff in other departments, and consult services. Responsible for orientation and training of new APPs.
• Collaborates for program development. Maintains, follows, and participates in developing standards of care, clinical pathways, and patient care protocols.
• Order and prescribe medications in accordance with statutes, rules and regulations of the State of Massachusetts.  
• Participate in the educational conferences with the Orthopedic services.
• Oversees clinical operations for the clinical department, including EPIC smartphrases and patient perioperative instructions and manuals for training.

Administrative duties:

• Maintains the APP schedule and reviews the protocols and coverage with supervisor.
• Assists with recruitment and interviewing process, as well as hosting prospective candidates for shadowing.
• Responsible for onboarding of APPs including but not limited to complete orientation of duties, inpatient management, all necessary trainings, and skills assessment.
• Liaison for other APPs, as well as orientation/liaison for APP Students, Fellows, Residents, and Medical Students rotating through the Orthopedic service.
• Serves as clinical resource for staff through consultation, formal and informal education, review of literature, and participation in seminars and conferences. Ensures that staff meets mandatory training and licensing requirements.
• Participates in the planning of the APP-specific educational activities in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery
• Addresses behavioral issues and adverse interpersonal interactions involving the APP staff.
• Supervises the assigned staff, including interviewing, conducting orientation, training and assisting in performance evaluations; responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating new staff.
• Supports the process for tracking absenteeism, hours worked, leaves and vacation/sick time for the department.
• Assists with performance evaluation preparation in conjunction with supervising physicians.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Certification and current PA license to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Must have a federal DEA number and MCSR
• BLS certification

EXPERIENCE:

5 years of experience as a PA with 3 years of experience in Orthopedics/Surgery preferred. Relevant clinical experience will be considered in lieu of the required years of APP experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to guide, direct, mentor, train, and work collaboratively in a team building environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical operations and exposure to hospital financial and human resources policies and procedures.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).
• Strong interpersonal skills to explain procedures, to allay the apprehension of patients, and to interact effectively with a variety of Medical Center staff and outside personnel.
• Proficient with standard Microsoft programs (i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and web browsers.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans