ARNP or PA-C – Spine Clinic - Harborview

Job Description

Harborview Medical Center’s (HMC) Orthopaedic Surgery Department Spine Clinic has an outstanding opportunity for a PA-C, Physician Assistant or ARNP, Nurse Practitioner.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full-time, 100% FTE, 40 hours per week
• Day shift, Monday – Friday (no call is required)
• The anticipation is that the role may include both ambulatory clinic and surgical assist duties; percentage of time in clinic and OR may vary depending on clinical needs of the service line.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
Recognized as one of the world's premier trauma centers, Harborview has also developed a state-of-the-art Spine Center, with an extensive elective spine referral base, which handles spine conditions ranging from complex reconstructive deformity procedures, high energy traumatic injuries, professional athletic injuries, and single-level degenerative outpatient-type pathology.  The division partners with our Sports & Spine Rehabilitation Medicine providers to manage nonoperative spine care. The clinic has Radiology imbedded in clinic for onsite X-rays, as well as ancillary staff support for coordinating care. The patient referral base extends to multiple states across the Pacific Northwest.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:

• Outpatient clinic and Operating room responsibilities
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for spine surgery patients.  
• Care delivery to a diverse patient population, including pediatrics.
• Approximately 60% elective and 40% trauma cases including complex adult deformity correction, high energy traumatic injuries and other routine spinal decompression and/or fusion surgeries.  
• Independent and shared clinic models that include new patient consults, pre- and post-op care and imaging interpretation to determine appropriate treatment plans.
• The role will primarily support the Orthopaedic Spine service in the ambulatory setting with a percentage of time assigned to OR assisting. There may be future needs to include cross training in an inpatient role or with other Orthopaedic service lines.
• Currently there are four board certified spine surgeons at HMC.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

OUTPATIENT

• Evaluate, diagnose, and establish treatment plans for new, established, and post-operative patients both independently and in collaboration with attending physicians. May include team-based and/or independent clinic days. This will include assessing postoperative surgical sites, conducting appropriate physical exams, interpreting imaging studies, and fitting orthotic devices.  
• Communicate clearly and compassionately both verbally and in writing with patients about treatment/surgical plans, including during clinic visits as well as via telephone or electronic patient messaging system.  
• Respond in a timely manner to clinic RNs, patient care coordinators, referral coordinators and other staff regarding care coordination by managing EHR inbasket daily.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (prior experience with EPIC, a plus)
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests including x-rays, CT, MRI, and labs and share results with clinicians and patients.
• Prescribe medications per department policy and within state and federal guidelines

 OPERATING ROOM  

• Work collaboratively with OR staff to ensure the appropriate equipment is available and ready to position patient appropriately and safely.
• Gain a comprehensive knowledge of surgical procedures, techniques, Standards of Care, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies as they directly correlate to the specialty.
• Maintain sterile technique and help ensure infection control protocols are followed.
• First and/or second assist attendings, fellows and residents in Orthopedic Spine surgery cases as needed including dissection, suturing, and instrumentation.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the EHR including pre-op H&P, brief op notes, post op orders, and discharge instructions per hospital protocol
• Stand for prolonged periods of time in sterile environment
• Handle operative instruments safely, requiring repetitive hand movements
• Able to lift and maneuver patients with assistance
• Exposure to body fluids, bloodborne pathogens and radiation regularly

REQUIREMENTS:
Prior experience in Orthopedic surgery or Spine surgery, including surgical first assisting, is preferred.

• Graduation from an ARC-PA–accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current Washington State Physician Assistant licensure by the start of employment.
• Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Current DEA registration/eligibility required for the position.

OR

• Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
• Current Washington State ARNP licensure and prescriptive authority by the start of employment.
• Current national board certification appropriate to the assigned patient population and clinical setting.
• Current DEA registration/eligibility required for the position.

AND

• Eligibility for UW Medicine credentialing and clinical privileges.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification; additional life-support certification as required by the assigned clinical setting.
• Ability to work effectively with medically and socially complex patients and within an interprofessional academic practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to respectful, equitable, inclusive, and patient-centered care.

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

ABOUT HARBORVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

As the region's only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine.  It is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County.  It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.

Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region. 

Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER 

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals. 

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.