Abdominal Transplant Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Job Requirements

The University of Maryland Medical Center is seeking an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to join our Inpatient Abdominal Transplant Surgery team .

Company Description

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a physician-led, academic health system dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care while advancing innovation and discovery at the bedside. In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Nursing, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, UMMS is committed to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.

As one of Maryland's largest integrated healthcare systems, UMMS delivers approximately 25% of all hospital care throughout the state and includes 11 hospitals, more than 150 ambulatory locations, and a growing network of urgent care centers. The University of Maryland Medical Center serves as the System's flagship academic medical center and anchor institution in downtown Baltimore.

Position Overview

• This position offers the opportunity to care for a highly specialized and medically complex patient population in a collaborative academic environment. Working closely with transplant surgeons, hepatologists, nephrologists, residents, and a multidisciplinary healthcare team, the APP provides comprehensive inpatient care to patients undergoing liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation.
• APPs have a high degree of clinical responsibility in the daily management of hospitalized patients, including pre- and post-liver transplant care, postoperative kidney and pancreas transplant management, and evaluation and treatment of complex medical and surgical complications. The team also provides care to select patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgical procedures.
• APPs independently manage patients on the inpatient floor in collaboration with the attending transplant surgeons. For transplant patients requiring intensive care, the APP team maintains continuity with the transplant surgical service, participates in daily evaluations, and collaborates with the ICU team to coordinate specialty recommendations and ongoing plans of care.
• This is a full-time, 100% inpatient clinical position consisting of 12-hour day shifts, with rotating weekends and holiday coverage required .

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice and Patient Management

• Provide comprehensive inpatient management of medically and surgically complex abdominal transplant patients, including pre- and post-liver transplant patients and postoperative kidney and pancreas transplant recipients.
• Independently perform daily patient assessments, histories, and physical examinations, and develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with attending transplant surgeons.
• Evaluate and manage postoperative recovery, graft function, medical and surgical complications, and acute changes in clinical condition.
• Order and interpret laboratory studies, diagnostic imaging, medications, and therapeutic interventions within scope of practice.
• Participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds and collaborate with transplant surgeons, hepatologists, nephrologists, residents, and consulting specialists to coordinate patient care.
• Evaluate transplant patients admitted to the intensive care unit, communicate recommendations from the transplant surgery service, and collaborate with the ICU team responsible for their critical care management.
• Perform bedside procedures and wound management, including vascular access device removal, surgical drain removal, simple suturing, and wound VAC dressing changes, as appropriate to training and privileges.
• Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges, including medication reconciliation, patient education, discharge planning, and follow-up coordination.
• Facilitate safe patient transitions and efficient patient flow while maintaining continuity of care throughout hospitalization.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and families regarding clinical progress, treatment plans, and goals of care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Quality Improvement

• Collaborate with nurses, pharmacists, case managers, social workers, transplant coordinators, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team.
• Participate in patient safety, quality improvement, and clinical practice initiatives.
• Support evidence-based care, standardized clinical workflows, and departmental goals related to patient outcomes, length of stay, readmissions, and discharge efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve patient care delivery, interdisciplinary communication, and operational efficiency.

Education and Professional Development

• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff, residents, students, and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in clinical teaching, interdisciplinary education, and knowledge sharing within the transplant service.
• Support orientation and mentorship of new team members as appropriate.
• Contribute to departmental education programs, journal clubs, and grand rounds.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education, specialty training, and professional development.
• Opportunities may be available to participate in research or other academic initiatives.

Research and Scholarship

• Participate in clinical research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Support scholarly activities, presentations, and publications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance clinical innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, 100% inpatient clinical position at the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore.
• Twelve-hour day shifts with rotating weekends and holidays required.
• Care for medically and surgically complex hospitalized patients, including those with acute changes in clinical condition.
• Work in a fast-paced academic medical center requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and effective clinical prioritization.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases, blood, and bodily fluids.
• Compliance with standard and transmission-based precautions, institutional safety policies, and infection prevention protocols.

Patient Safety

• Demonstrates a commitment to patient safety, quality care, and evidence-based clinical practice.
• Recognizes, promptly communicates, and responds to changes in patient condition to prevent complications and promote optimal outcomes.
• Identifies, reports, and addresses patient safety concerns in accordance with institutional policies.
• Maintains compliance with organizational policies, clinical protocols, infection prevention practices, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborates effectively with interdisciplinary team members to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• As a UMMS provider, you can expect:
• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid malpractice insurance
• DEA and CDS Licenses paid
• Generous paid time off
• CME/CEU leave and CME/CEU allowance
• Retirement plan – 403-B with employer match

Be part of a rich tradition of Medicine while shaping the future of care delivery.

We are not accepting inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.

Work Experience

Qualifications

Education

• Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.

Licensure and Certification

• Nurse Practitioners
• Current Maryland licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
• National certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• Physician Assistants
• Current Maryland licensure as a Physician Assistant.
• NCCPA certification.
• Additional Requirements
• DEA and CDS eligibility.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Compliance with all organizational credentialing and privileging requirements.

Experience

• Previous APP experience in inpatient acute care, transplant surgery, general surgery, critical care, hospital medicine, or a related specialty preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and medical decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage medically complex patients, recognize acute changes in clinical condition, and prioritize competing demands.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-based inpatient environment.
• Commitment to patient-centered care, professional growth, and continuous learning.
• Previous transplant experience is valued but not required.