Physician Assistant – Nuclear Medicine – Durham, NC

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About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health’s three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

JOB LOCATION

Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Cardiology, Duke Medical Pavilion, 10 Medicine Circle, Durham, NC

JOB SUMMARY

The Nuclear Medicine PA performs and interprets cardiac stress testing on inpatients and outpatients in the division of Nuclear Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center and PET department in Duke Cancer Center.   This PA also performs exercise perfusion studies and pharmacologic stress studies using Dipyridamole and Regadenoson as stress agents.  Sestimibi, Thallium, Tetrofosmin, and Rubidium are used as standard imaging agents.  This PA will also interview and examine patients prior to diagnostic testing to screen for indications and contraindications of stress testing.  When indicated, this PA will notify and present recommendations to the ordering physicians. This PA may also perform and assist in Nuclear Medicine procedures i.e. lymphoscintigraphies, giving Lasix to renal scans, giving CCK for HIDA scans, etc.  This provider provides emergency lifesaving measures as necessary. 

JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Elicit brief history and physical examination pertaining to the cardiovascular system, including medications, past medical history, cardiac risk factors, and history of present illness.
• Educate patients regarding potential risks of the study, procedures, and requirements.
• Screen patients to determine if the attending physician ordered the proper test (exercise vs. pharmacologic stress) and to determine which pharmacologic agent is most appropriate based upon patient’s medical history and exam.
• Acquire patient consent prior to stress testing, explaining risks and benefits of procedures. 
• Perform exercise stress testing while continuously monitoring the electrocardiogram.
• Enter data in reporting software after stressing patients. Must be proficient in reading ECGs.
• Monitor the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and pulse ox when indicated, during pharmacologic stress testing.  Entering data in reporting software.
• Instruct nuclear technologist when to inject isotopes during stress testing.
• Initiate lifesaving measures as required during stress testing.  Direct the staff during a code using advanced cardiac life support until the EMS or Code Team arrive.
• Interpret the stress electrocardiograms upon completion of the test.
• Assist with stress testing for clinical research projects conducted by the attending physicians in the department.
• Teach PA students, nursing students, radiology residents, cardiology fellows and visiting physicians in the techniques and procedures used during standard stress testing.
• Maintain emergency drug boxes with appropriate drugs, monitor code carts, narcotics, defibrillators, and the glucometer in conjunction with the pharmacy.  Complete review documents on potential future Lutathera and Azedra patients for PRMO review.  Assist with therapies i.e. giving normal saline for Pluvictos, order and give amino acids for Lutathera and edotreotide patients, order and give anti-emetics as needed. 

JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (PAs only, no NPs)

Education

• Graduate of ARC accredited Physician Assistant Program, Master’s Degree or DMSc

Certification

• PA-C

License

• Current unrestricted license issued by NCMB with authorization to practice as PA
• Current unrestricted federal and state DEA#

Experience

• Related experience is preferred but will consider a new grad.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Able to clearly articulate scope of practice and practices within those guidelines as an NP/PA in the state of North Carolina and within the Duke University Health System (DUHS)
• Able to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively to solve complex problems
• Able to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership, and others
• Able to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, perform health assessments, treatment, and follow-up
• Able to use fine motor skills
• Able to record activities, document assessments, and interventions; prepare reports and presentations.
• Able to use computer and learn new software programs
• Able to provide leadership in clinical area of expertise and in meeting organizational goals
• Able to navigate the Hospital and DUHS to provide clinical expertise to specific patient populations
• Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking. Able to remain focused and organized
• Able to work collaboratively with all levels of personnel

JOB HOURS

Primary hours will be Monday through Friday, day shift, with hours flexible to meet the needs of the patients. NO CALL or WEEKEND work required.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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