Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APN or PA), Thoracic Surgery

Department
 

BSD SUR - Thoracic Surgery: Clinical

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago Medicine's Section of Thoracic Surgery is dedicated to quality and innovative care, especially for patients with complex chest and lung conditions, coexisting medical problems, and those with previous thoracic surgeries. Our specialized surgeons are experienced in performing highly technical, minimally invasive procedures to treat and manage conditions affecting the lungs and esophagus, including esophageal cancer, hyperhidrosis, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and lung transplantation. Whenever possible, our surgeons utilize minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery or video-assisted thoracic surgery, to improve patients’ recovery. At UChicago Medicine, our thoracic surgery team actively participates in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database, an important initiative that collects patient care outcomes data to help surgeons benchmark and improve quality of care. Our surgeons are also active in many unique clinical trials that make available emerging treatments that are not yet widely available at other hospitals.

Job Summary
 

The Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APN or PA) in the Section of Thoracic Surgery works collaboratively with section leadership to ensure efficient and effective management of their assigned APP group. Provides leadership in formulating and implementing objectives aligned in each of the clinical, educational, and research missions. Collaborates department-wide to further goals and objectives. Oversees the day-to-day operations, workflows, and problem resolution for their APP group. The Lead APP is responsible for comprehensive direct patient care management, including advanced levels of assessment, intervention, planning, and evaluation of care. Manages a caseload of patients and exercises autonomous decision-making in assessing, diagnosing, and initiating delegated medical treatments.

Responsibilities

Administrative:

• Partners with the Section Administrator, Section Chief, and faculty to set goals and assess performance of the APP team.

• Ensures compliant and effective recruitment, onboarding, and orientation at the direction of the Department of Surgery Human Resources Office.   

• Manages the APP team schedule and facilitates appropriate cross training to ensure planned and unplanned absences have comprehensive coverage for safe patient care.

• Engages in team development through transparent communication, coaching, mentorship, talent management and implementing a culture of best practices.

Clinical:

• Takes patient histories, conducts examinations, diagnoses illnesses, orders and interprets laboratory tests, performs specified diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and develops and implements comprehensive care plans for patients.

• Collaborates and/or consults with physicians and other health care providers as appropriate.

• Actively participates in program building, and quality measurement and improvement measures.

• Oversees independent clinics and provides support to faculty clinics.

• Promotes appropriate patient care protocol within the APP team relating to the physical and psychological needs of the patient.

• Participates in activities that contribute to the education of healthcare professionals including one-on-one education, group education, formal presentations, and/or publishing.

• Participates on UCM and BSD committees.

• Keeps knowledge base current by reading professional literature and attending educational conferences.

Other:

• Provides expertise to patient/family-centered care by communicating with the family regarding the changing health care needs of their family member. Update patient and families and hold family care conferences as appropriate.

• Recommends process improvements to promote and practice economical and effective health care.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree from an accredited school/college.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

Current and/or eligible for State of Illinois licensure/registration required. Eligibility to be privileged and credentialed through the Medical Staff Office (MSO). - State of Illinois

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• An advanced degree (or equivalent, if license received prior to July 1, 2001) from an accredited school/college of nursing or completion of an accredited Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).

Experience:

• Clinical experience in a related area of specialty.

• Progressively responsible administrative/supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications for Advanced Practice Nurse:

• Current Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date. 

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.  

Licenses and Certifications for Physician Assistant:

• Current Physician Assistant license/registration in the State of Illinois or eligibility to receive by start date.

• Certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) by start date.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated clinical competency, effective leadership and teaching skills. 

• Conduct physical examinations and health assessments.

• Interview and obtain medical information.

• Willingness to enter into written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician upon hire. 

• Once licensed and as needed, willingness to apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number.

• Willingness to be privileged and credentialed through UCM Medical Staff Office prior to start date. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently. 

• Strong organizational skills. 

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills. 

• Strategic leadership and supervisory skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

30

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

Yes

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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