Pediatric Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant

To provide independent advanced level Physicians Assistant (PA) clinical expertise to patients and their families on an on-going basis. This includes the management of chronic stable medical conditions, routine care, acute or critical care, and medical and specialty protocols (e.g. chemotherapy) as defined by standardized procedures for your specific department. This may include non-invasive or invasive procedures, surgical procedures, including operative first assist per approved standardized procedures as identified by the list available on the Medical Staff Office. Patient management decisions will be independent where appropriate after assessment of the patient and interdependent with consultation with an attending or other member of the team. Physicians Assistant are expected to act as expert resource persons for health care providers including nurses, residents and other ancillary staff. Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Nurse Practice Act. This position will also include cross-coverage of other Pediatric Heart Center APP services and responsibilities, as needed, to support coordinated, high-quality patient care across the program. Participation in a rotating call schedule is required.

Apply By Date: 9/29/2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• California Licensed Physicians Assistant (PA)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Certificate within 3 months of hire
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
• American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 7 days of hire
• National board certification as a physician assistant (NCCPA)
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) enrolled with Medi-Cal
• Graduation with a master's degree or PhD from an accredited Physician Assistant program, or completion of certified Physician Assistant training from an accredited program
• Minimum of two years of post-training experience as a PA, and at least one year of that experience must involve treating children with CCS-eligible medical conditions.
• Ability to cope with personal stress experienced by team members, other professionals, and caretakers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Judgment skills to effectively meet the needs of patients
• Self-direction and organizational skills to function in an independent role
• Ability to meet minimum standards for hospital credentialing and billing as a billable provider
• Demonstrated competency at an advanced practice level; meets role-specific APP Performance Standards
• Proven ability to assist in pediatric cardiothoracic surgical procedures under direct supervision of attending surgeon
• Skilled in using medical terminology to obtain accurate patient histories and perform thorough physical exams
• Ability to interpret the significance of laboratory and radiologic tests in complex pediatric cardiac cases
• Proficient in CPR; capable of responding to emergencies using ACLS protocols when necessary
• Maintains accurate, timely, and billable medical documentation; advanced knowledge of billing procedures and compliance
• Able to manage large workloads, set priorities, and work accurately under pressure in high-acuity environments
• Demonstrates consistent high performance and a proactive, positive approach to influencing change
• Ability to function independently while also contributing effectively in multidisciplinary care teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to research and support sound clinical decision-making
• Comfortable processing complex information and following detailed medical or operational instructions
• Knowledge of clinical quality improvement principles and ability to lead performance improvement initiatives
• Effective in communicating with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the healthcare system
• Tact and diplomacy in working with a broad range of staff, patients, families, and administrators
• Strong interpersonal skills; committed to fostering collaboration in a multidisciplinary pediatric environment
• Ability to teach clinical subjects, assess educational needs, and evaluate outcomes of training efforts
• Knowledge of healthcare information systems and research methods; proficient in electronic documentation
• Demonstrates discretion and ensures confidentiality in all clinical and administrative interactions
• Ability to multi-task and strategically respond to clinical crises with focus and composure

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 1 years related pediatric Cardiothoracic/Cardiovascular patient care experience as a physician assistant and/or minimum 1 year of pediatric ICU experience as a physician assistant
• At least 1 year of OR 1st, 2nd & 3rd assist experience in the OR

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Outpatient (May include some or all responsibilities below)
• 35% - Inpatient (may include some or all responsibilities below)
• 10% - Professional Development
• 10% - Coordination and Collaboration
• 5% - Education/ Research
• 5% - Quality

Department Overview

The Pediatric Cardiothoracic PA provides comprehensive management of pediatric cardiothoracic patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The PA is a clinical expert in cardiovascular abnormalities and delivers pre- and post-procedure care for pediatric cardiovascular patients undergoing invasive and noninvasive procedures. Additionally, the PA may first and/or second assist in the operating room and participates in the medical management of this patient population across the continuum of care, including both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Responsibilities include acute and subacute clinical care, ordering, conducting, and interpreting appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests; prescribing medications, treatments, and nonpharmacologic therapies; and performing all necessary clinical documentation. The PA may also participate in the design and implementation of research and/or quality improvement initiatives within the Pediatric Cardiothoracic division. This position will also include cross-coverage of other Pediatric Heart Center APP services and responsibilities, as needed, to support coordinated, high-quality patient care across the program.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $79.61-$105.05
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 138
• UC Job Title: PHYSCN AST
• UC Job Code: 009203
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Varies; Rotating Call Schedule
• Location: Main Hospital (HSP001) - Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• This is not an H-1B visa opportunity.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
  

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks