The Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center is a 24-bed high-acuity unit providing care for complex surgical patients across multiple specialties, including transplant, vascular, oral maxillofacial, emergency general surgery, orthopedic, oncology, gynecologic, and thoracic surgery.
The SICU Advanced Practice Provider (APP) team consists of 11 APPs working in close collaboration with attending physicians, residents, fellows, and the Department Director. The APP plays a key role in ensuring continuity of care, clinical excellence, and coordinated communication among patients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team.
This role supports the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and patient-centered care while promoting safety, optimal outcomes, and appropriate length of stay. APPs also contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice, education, and quality improvement initiatives within the SICU.
Principal Responsibilities
Clinical Care
- Perform comprehensive history and physical examinations for SICU patients
- Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, diagnostic evaluation, and decision-making
- Order, interpret, and act on diagnostic testing and imaging
- Establish and manage medical diagnoses and individualized treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and initiate evidence-based treatment protocols
- Perform invasive procedures, including:
- Central venous catheter insertion
- Arterial line placement
- Hemodialysis catheter insertion
- Pulmonary artery catheter placement
- Chest tube removal
- Thoracentesis
- Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and present patients within assigned caseload
- Collaborate with physicians regarding admissions, discharges, and transfers
- Communicate and coordinate care plans with patients, families, and care teams
- Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and recovery
- Initiate appropriate consultations and referrals
- Ensure timely patient flow and discharge planning in collaboration with case management
- Integrate holistic care considerations, including pain management and palliative care resources
- Uphold patient advocacy and shared decision-making principles
- Utilize evidence-based guidelines to optimize patient outcomes
- Maintain compliance with National Patient Safety Goals and institutional standards
- Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation, including STS data reporting
Education & Clinical Support
- Serve as a clinical resource for residents, fellows, medical students, and nursing staff
- Support onboarding and orientation of new staff and trainees
- Contribute to staff education and clinical skill development
- Participate in community education and outreach initiatives when applicable
- Promote understanding of critical care disease processes and best practices
Quality, Safety & Leadership
- Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
- Contribute to development and implementation of evidence-based protocols
- Engage in departmental and institutional committees and initiatives
- Support accreditation readiness and regulatory compliance activities
- Assist in monitoring outcomes related to safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness
Professional Development
- Maintain required licensure, certification, and clinical privileges
- Engage in continuing education (CME/CEU) and professional development activities
- Participate in shared governance, councils, or professional committees
- Serve as a representative and advocate for the department and institution
- Contribute to policy discussions at local, regional, or national levels when applicable
Patient Safety & Communication Standards
- Prioritize patient safety in all clinical activities
- Identify and report risks, adverse events, and near misses
- Follow institutional policies, procedures, and safety standards
- Maintain professional, respectful communication with patients, families, and staff
- Ensure timely response to communications (calls, messages, documentation)
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and institutional guidelines
Qualifications
Required
- Current Maryland Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant license (in good standing)
- National certification in specialty area (preferred or required based on role)
- DEA, CDS, and NPI registration
- Basic Life Support (BLS-HCP) certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an NP or PA in a surgical or critical care setting
Preferred
- Masters degree in Nursing or Physician Assistant Studies
- Prior ICU or surgical critical care experience
- Strong procedural skills in critical care interventions
- Experience with academic medical centers or teaching environments
- Participation in research, quality improvement, or professional organizations
Additional Requirements
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex, high-acuity patient populations
- Competency in life-span patient care principles
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and basic medical software tools
- Ability to work independently while functioning within a multidisciplinary team
Working Conditions
This role involves active clinical practice in a high-acuity ICU setting and may include:
- Prolonged standing and walking
- Lifting or moving equipment and patients
- Exposure to infectious or hazardous materials with required protective equipment
- Use of computer systems for documentation and order entry
Additional Information
All information will be handled confidentially in accordance with EEO guidelines and institutional policies.
