Vanderbilt University Medical Center·Nashville, Tennessee
The Surgical Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner First Assist collaborates with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide surgical care, including first and second assist roles. Responsibilities also include obtaining health histories, performing physical examinations, and managing patient care in the surgical setting.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.
The Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) First Assist or Nurse Practitioner First Assist (NP FA) works in collaboration with a multidisciplinary health care team.
The PA/NP provides healthcare in the surgical setting to include the responsibilities of the first and second assist to the surgeon.
Other responsibilities may include pre-operative history and physical, progress notes, and education for the patient/family.
The PA/NP has didactic education, clinical competency and national certification in identified area of clinical practice, including first assist competency.
The PA/NP demonstrates medical knowledge, clinical judgment, technical competence, professionalism, interpersonal communication skills, timely and compliant documentation, and is responsible for professional development and competency validation.
The PA/NP has an advanced knowledge of surgical interventions and the responsibilities of a first assistant in the operating room.
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Key responsibilities
Obtains and documents a health history; performs and documents complete, system-focused, or symptom-specific physical examination, assessment, and plan of care.
In collaboration, provides healthcare services for primary, acute, and complex care of patients and manages patient's overall care, identifying expected outcomes for diagnoses specific to the surgical area.
Performs first assistant role in the surgical environment (is there something from the FA job description)
Orders, performs, interprets, and collects data using appropriate assessment techniques, relevant supporting diagnostic information and diagnostic procedures where indicated.
Forms differential diagnoses and treats acute and chronic conditions.
May prescribes therapeutic interventions both pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic and surgical, needed to achieve expected outcomes.
Utilizes evidence-based, approved practice protocols in planning and implementing care.
Initiates appropriate referrals and consultations
Provides specialty specific consultation services upon request and within specialty scope of practice.
Facilitates the patient’s transition between operative area and appropriate unit or recovery areas.
We believe highly skilled and specialized nursing care is essential to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s mission of quality in patient care, education and research. We believe nursing is an applied art and science focused on helping people, families and communities reach excellent health and well-being.
Learn more about VUMC Nursing here [http://www.vumc.org/careers/nursing-careers].
Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance.
Problem
Solving/
Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment.
Breadth of
Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area.
Team
Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.
Experience Level: 1 year
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
Candidates must have didactic education, clinical competency, and national certification in their area of practice, including first assist competency. A Master's degree and relevant work experience of at least one year are required.
Market context
Advanced-practice roles in Tennessee are often shaped by steady demand in hospice, palliative care, and other settings that need licensed clinicians who can manage complex patients. These positions are competitive because employers typically look for an accredited NP, CNS, or PA background, an active Tennessee license, national certification, and an unrestricted DEA, with hospice, palliative care, ICU experience, or ACHPN/HPCC certification often preferred. If you are considering applying, confirm your licensure and certification status first, and use the platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits to quickly compare roles without reading every original posting.
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