Bariatric Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner

·  Master’s degreed required.  Must be a graduate of an accredited program and must meet any and all state and/or federal requirements pertaining to a physician assistant / nurse practitioner.

The Bariatric Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner would be responsible for assessing and providing patient care under the supervision of the physician. The applicant will assist and help in patient exams, perform comprehensive physical examinations, and compile medical data, including health history and results of physical exams to optimize the patient’s ability attainment the optimal weight loss desired.  The Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner will work with the patients who are trying to lose weight through conventional diet, exercise, and behavioral modification methods and who are post-op from Bariatric Surgery.  He/she will be responsible for directing and coordinating all “Studies” that the practice is involved in, as well as seeing patient’s pre and post surgery.  The Physician Assistant / Nurse Practitioner will eventually help the bariatric surgeon in performing lap-band adjustments, and play an integral role in the OR.  He/she must be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.  Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals and tasks.  Performs a variety of tasks.  A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.  It is not required but greatly desired that all applicants have general and laparoscopic surgery experience.  Bariatric experience a definite plus but not required.

 

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities: Document and chart all patient visits in the practice database and patient chart. Refer patients, when needed, to program dietician for a comprehensive weight loss approach. Limited travel to other clinics and/or doctor offices for the purposes of providing training on how to do lap-band adjustments. Work closely with the bariatric surgeon, and all other members associated with the bariatric program, to ensure that the highest comprehensive patient care is provided at all times. Network with community physicians in order to help educate them on the purpose and function of the weight loss surgery. Be knowledgeable in the issues surrounding obesity and its causes. Work closely with the bariatric surgeon, program dietician, exercise physiologist, psychologist, and the rest of the bariatric program staff to provide quality and comprehensive care. Be compassionate and sensitive to this patient population. Provide education to the practice staff and colleagues regarding the weight loss surgery. Work closely with the bariatric surgeon to learn how to adjust the Lap-band or utilize the bypass tool.  Provide post-operative patient follow up, and round on the patients postoperatively. Communicate patient progress to patient’s primary care physician and/or bariatric surgeon as necessary.   Attend M&M meetings as needed/requested. Manage and coordinate all “Study” processes and documentation. Coordinate and assist in preoperative work-up and follow up to test results. Triage of post-op patient complications. Intermittently interface with support groups. Prepare and complete all FMLA and STD paperwork needed/required by patients. Rotating on-call schedule – paid based upon fee structure.Develop behavioral modification series and teach that series as often as deemed necessary by patient volume.