Physician Assistant, Surgical

About Us:

Founded in 2004 by local physicians, Animas Surgical Hospital has been an integral part of the Four Corners region for more than two decades. Our goal has never been to be the only hospital in Durango but to be the best option for surgery, diagnostic imaging, emergency care, occupational medicine, and internal medicine.

Our Mission

To provide innovative, exceptional healthcare that patients recommend, physicians prefer, and employees are proud of.

Job Title: Physician Assistant, Surgical

Job Summary

The Surgical Physician Assistant (PA) provides comprehensive medical care to surgical patients under the supervision of a licensed surgeon.

This role includes pre-operative assessment, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative management to ensure high-quality, safe, and effective patient care throughout the surgical continuum.

Reports To: Supervising Physician | Director, Outpatient Services

Salary Range: $129,875 - 169,582 (salary range is intentionally broad as pay will be determined based on qualifications, experience and eligibility for bonuses)

Essential Job Functions

• Perform pre-operative patient evaluations, including history and physical examinations
• Assist surgeons during operative procedures, including first assist duties as credentialed
• Manage post-operative care, including rounding, wound care, and discharge planning
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests, labs, and imaging within scope of practice
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with the surgical team
• Document patient encounters accurately in electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, surgeons, nurses, and ancillary staff
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols, patient safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates the spirit of the philosophy, mission, and values of the hospital through words and actions and implements them into departmental processes, programs, and the working environment.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current Physician Assistant licensure in the state of practice
• NCCPA certification required

Experience

• Previous experience in a surgical setting preferred (new graduates may be considered depending on specialty)
• Experience assisting in operative procedures and managing post-operative patients preferred

Physical Requirements

This position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling up to fifty (50)+ pounds while administering care to patients. Stooping, kneeling and/or crouching daily in delivery of patient care.

Standing and walking for more than five (5) hours per day and running occasionally in responding to patient care emergencies. Manual dexterity to perform surgical assisting and clinical procedures. Ability to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments. Ability to stand for prolonged periods during surgical procedures.

Working Conditions/Environmental Exposures

Environmental hazards such as chemicals, solvents, needles, needle containers, sharps, blood, body fluids, various infectious/communicable diseases, infectious medical waste, radiation, and/or radioactive materials and/or radioactive waste, proximity to moving mechanical parts. Protective clothing/equipment may be necessary.

Animas Health Immunizations and Vaccinations Requirements

Aligns with CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Healthcare Personnel

• Hepatitis B- Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Hepatitis B or three doses Hep B vaccine at appropriate intervals
• Influenza- documentation of current seasonal flu vaccine (mandatory from November 1st through March 31st each year)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella or 2 doses of MMR Vaccination
• Varicella (chickenpox) - Lab evidence of immunity (titer) to Varicella or 2 doses of Varicella Vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) - documented proof of immunization
• Tuberculosis Screening - Documentation of a two-step TB skin test within the past year OR lab verification of a negative TB Gold or T-Spot tuberculin test within the past 6 months

*Vaccine records or evidence of immunity are required prior to 1st day of scheduled work.

Animas Health is a drug free workplace and performs a pre-employment drug screen which includes marijuana.

We Offer Competitive Pay and Benefits

Employment with us provides competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Eligible Employees Enjoy

• Health, Vision and Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Education and Tuition benefits
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts
• Additional optional benefits

Where You Will Work: Click here to learn more about Durango, Co.