Physician Assistant Critical Care - Heart & Vascular Intensivist

Penn State Health is seeking experienced Physician Assistants for an intensivist role in the Heart and Vascular Institute Critical Care Unit (HVICCU) at Hershey Medical Center. The position involves managing critically ill cardiac and vascular surgery patients in a 24/7/365 environment, performing advanced procedures, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Manage critically ill patients in the HVICCU, including those post-cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and transplant procedures.
• Provide direct critical care management, including complex therapies such as IABP, Impella, VADs, ECMO, CRRT, and ventilatory support.
• Participate in daily patient rounds, perform assessments, and revise medical management plans in collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary teams.
• Perform procedures including placement of arterial lines, central lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, and removal of IABP, chest tubes, and pacer wires.
• Manage post-operative care and complex therapies in a high-acuity setting.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with licensure, certification, and hospital policies.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• W-2 tax status.

Shift & Schedule

• Variable days and shifts, including day and night hours.
• Hours typically range from 7am to 7pm and 7pm to 7am, with a 24/7/365 coverage requirement.

Requirements

• Graduate of an AMA-approved Physician Assistant Program or hold a baccalaureate or higher degree meeting licensure requirements in the state of employment.
• Current national certification and licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania or reciprocity from another state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Experience in critical care, preferably in a cardiac or vascular setting.
• Ability to perform advanced procedures such as arterial and central line placements.
• Strong assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality care.
• Ability to work variable shifts, including days and nights, in a 24/7 environment.