Physician Assistant Neurosurgery-Operative

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates is seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for a nocturnist position in their practice at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, where comprehensive care to patients with disorders of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system is provided.

This position requires a strong focus on patient care and service. Individuals who are self-motivated, hardworking, detail oriented, and adhere to clinical protocols are encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate will provide patient care in a competent, professional, and courteous manner, and will maintain effective communication with patients, hospital staff, and referring physicians.  The PA will practice in close collaboration with the neurosurgeons in the group, who will provide continuing education in the evaluation and management of neurosurgical patients.

The primary responsibilities are:

First assist with posterior occiput/ cervical/thoracic/lumbar pedicle screw placement, TLIFs and instrumental fusions; ACDF; craniotomies/craniectomies; brain tumor resections; acute/chronic SDH evacuations; burr holes and plate placements; VP shunt and EVD insertions; and thoracic/lumbar kyphoplasty.

 Neurosurgical general consultations and diagnose (clinic and hospital): acute/chronicback pain, neck pain, cervical/lumbar radiculopathies, herniated disc diseases, degenerative spine disease, lumbar scoliosis, discitis/osteomyelitis of spin; carpal tunne syndrome, ulnar nerve compression; normal pressure hydrocephalus, brain/spine tumors (metastatic brain tumors, schwannoma, glioma, meningioma, CNS lymphoma, etc.)

Neurotrauma consultations: C1/2 fractures from MVA or falls, burst/compression/chance fractures; acute/chronic SDH, SAH, ICH, emergent head and spine traumas; Cauda equina syndrome, Conus Medullaris

 Preop management: obtaining imaging (MRI, CT, x-rays), labs (CBC w/ diff, BMP/CMP, PT/PTT, INR, UA w/ culture + sensitivity), surgical clearance (pulmonary, cardiology, anesthesia, etc.), explaining surgical details, and starting medication to prevent risk of intra/postop infections.

Postop management: removing staples, sutures, JP drain, EVD catheters. Reviewing postop lab values (CBC w/ diff, BMP/CMP, intra-op cultures). Obtaining follow up imaging to evaluate postop hardware placements, SDH/ICH/IPH, tumor monitoring. Measuring/correcting VP shunt levels. Referral to physical therapy and/or occupational therapy, pain management.

Experience with interpreting head, C/T/L-spine MRIs, CT, CT myelograms, and x-rays (AP, lateral, flexion, extension views), and EMG/NCV studies. Ordering diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT with contrast vs non-contract studies).

The evaluation and management of neurosurgical patients in the emergency room and hospital, including the intensive care unit

Returning after hours phone calls from existing patients and their physicians

First assisting in the operating room

Performing procedures on neurosurgical patients in the ICU and ER

Patient and family education

Shift/Schedule: 7 on 7 Off schedule- 7:00pm-7:00am

JOB DESCRIPTION

The PA Surgical Specialty-Operative is a graduate of an accredited training program and is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider who actively renders direct patient care and possesses delegated prescriptive authority.  RNFA certification is required for nurse practitioner applicants.   The PA or NP is credentialed and privileged, and their service is billed as an independent billing provider, as recognized by Medicare and Medicaid within the healthcare system, and in accordance with the appropriate board.

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates was created in September 2004 to provide state-of-the-art neurosurgical care to patients in our community. The BSW Neuroscience Center, one of America's premiere Neuroscience facilities, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the country's best.

Baylor Scott & White Neurosurgery and Spine Associates provides a full complement of surgical treatments for the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the spine. We incorporate the latest in surgical advances and radiosurgical options.

Baylor University Medical Center

Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC), one of two flagship hospitals in the 52-hospital Baylor Scott & White HealthCare System, is a 1,008-bed tertiary care hospital in the heart of Dallas with a high level of acuity and approximately 39,000 admissions a year. Since 1997, the American College of Surgeons has recognized BUMC as a Level 1 Trauma Center with approximately 2,400 admissions yearly. There are 123 total ICU beds, 57 of which are surgical ICU beds. The management of neuro trauma is shared between the 8 neurosurgeons on the BUMC staff and a group of fellowship trained trauma surgeons.  BUMC is home to an ACGME approved General Surgery residency and a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship.

BENEFITS

Our competitive benefits package includes the following:

Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits

401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%

Tuition Reimbursement

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

About Baylor Scott & White Health

Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) is the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. With a commitment to and a track record of innovation, collaboration, integrity and compassion for the patient, BSWH stands to be one of the nation’s exemplary health care organizations. Our mission is to serve all people by providing personalized health and wellness through exemplary care, education and research as a Christian ministry of healing. Joining our team is not just accepting a job, it’s accepting a calling!

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