Critical Care Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)

As a Critical Care Physician Assistant at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, your primary responsibilities include diagnosing patients, formulating and executing care plans within our Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and collaborating closely with a dedicated team of Pulmonary and Critical Care Providers. You’ll be responsible for managing both acute and chronic health conditions, ensuring the highest level of patient care in a supportive and high-energy environment.

To qualify for the Critical Care Nurse Practitioner position at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you must possess a Bachelor’s Degree as a Physician Assistant, with a Master’s preferred. Additionally, BLS certification and registration from the Maryland State Board of Physician Quality Assurance are required, along with the ability to demonstrate strong critical care management skills and effective communication abilities.

For those applying for the Critical Care Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner role at UMSJMC, it’s preferred to have 2 to 4 years of relevant experience, yet applicants with 0 to 1 year of experience may still apply. Strong critical care patient management experience is highly desirable as this role demands excellent interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities to thrive in a fast-paced hospital environment.

The work schedule for the Critical Care Physician Assistant position at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center is rotating, including weekends, holidays, and nights. This structure is essential for providing uninterrupted patient care due to the 24/7 nature of our services. However, full-time night shift options are available for those who prefer it, offering added flexibility to your work-life balance.

At the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, we are committed to supporting our Critical Care Nurse Practitioners through continuous education, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. Being part of a nationally recognized medical institution, you will have access to resources and training that will enhance your expertise and career growth within the field of critical care.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for patient care, your experiences in critical care settings, and how those experiences shaped your career choice. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment and drive to make a difference in patients' lives.

Be prepared to discuss a specific case where you faced significant challenges. Outline the steps you took to assess, manage, and resolve the situation, and emphasize the outcomes and what you learned through this experience.

Discuss your belief in the importance of collaboration in providing quality care. Provide examples of past experiences where teamwork led to successful patient outcomes and explain your role within those teams.

Elaborate on the systematic approach you utilize for patient assessment in critical care. Include procedures you would follow, critical parameters to monitor, and how you prioritize actions based on findings.

Highlight your specific training and hands-on experience with ventilators, including types of ventilatory support you are familiar with and decisions you’ve made regarding ventilation strategies in critically ill patients.

Explain your conflict resolution strategies, focusing on communication and collaboration. Share an anecdote illustrating how you successfully resolved a disagreement while maintaining respect and professionalism.

Mention various vital signs and lab values critical to monitoring in ICU patients. Discuss how you interpret these indicators and the actions you take based on them to ensure optimal patient care.

Share the resources you utilize, such as journals, conferences, or continuing education courses, to stay up-to-date. Highlight your commitment to lifelong learning and how it reflects in your practice.

Discuss your familiarity with EMR systems, emphasizing how you use them for documentation, care coordination, and information sharing within a critical care environment. Mention any specific systems you've used.

Articulate your interest in UMSJMC based on its reputation, values, and culture. Discuss how the mission aligns with your career goals and the contributions you hope to make within the team.