Surgical PA / NP Trauma/Acute Care Surgery

Surgical NP/PA

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

Inpatient Clinical Management

• Perform daily inpatient rounds for trauma/ACS and surgical oncology patients with the surgery resident team.
• Conduct comprehensive histories and physical examinations and ongoing clinical assessments.
• Manage postoperative and non‑operative surgical patients, including:
• Pain and symptom management
• Wound, drain, and ostomy care
• Nutrition and bowel regimens
• VTE prophylaxis and postoperative monitoring
• Identify and manage postoperative or post‑injury complications in collaboration with attending surgeons, fellows and surgery residents.
• Write and manage admission, transfer, and discharge orders.
• Coordinate safe and timely discharges, including patient education and follow‑up planning.

Trauma Service Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient management of trauma patients following initial stabilization.
• Participate in evaluation and management of blunt and penetrating injuries.
• Perform bedside procedures as credentialed, which may include:
• Wound care and laceration repair
• Drain management
• Tube, line, and device management
• Collaborate closely with trauma surgeons, ICU teams, and consulting services.

Surgical Oncology Responsibilities (Surgical Oncology, Colorectal, Breast, Endocrine,     Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary, Plastics)

• Provide inpatient care for patients undergoing surgical management of oncologic disease.
• Assist with preoperative evaluation and optimization.
• Manage complex postoperative oncology patients, coordinating care with oncology, nutrition, case management, and ancillary services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning as appropriate.

Perioperative & OR Support

• Assist in the operating room as first assist when needed, credentialed, and aligned with service and operational needs.
• Perform postoperative assessments and ongoing surgical follow‑up care.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with attending surgeons, surgical residents, students, nursing, case management, pharmacy, nutrition, physical therapy, and consulting specialties.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for patients and families during hospitalization.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and care coordination meetings.

Documentation, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Support institutional quality improvement initiatives and evidence‑based clinical pathways.
• Adhere to hospital policies, surgical standards, and patient safety protocols.

Education & Professional Practice

• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, procedures, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to new APPs as applicable.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing medical education.

Qualifications

Physician Assistant (PA)

• Graduate of an ARC‑PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Licensed or license‑eligible as a Physician Assistant in the State of Connecticut.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program (Acute Care Adult‑Gerontology NP preferred).
• Current national board certification (AANP or ANCC, as applicable).
• Licensed or license‑eligible as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the State of Connecticut.
• RNFA for OR 1^st assist role

Additional Requirements (All APPs)

• Prior inpatient surgical experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team including surgical residents and fellows
• Experience in trauma, acute care surgery, or surgical oncology highly desirable.
• ACLS required or must be obtained within an established onboarding timeframe.
• ATLS preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong inpatient clinical assessment and medical decision‑making skills.
• Ability to manage complex surgical patients across multiple specialties.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Ability to function independently within a collaborative, team‑based surgical model.

Work Environment

• Hospital‑based inpatient surgical setting.
• Weekday clinical schedule providing continuity of care and work‑life balance.
• No required nights, weekends, holidays, or call coverage.