Physician Assistant

Position Summary

Provide clinical assistance to the medical staff for the overall clinical management of the HPMC patient, including all phases of the surgical process, which may include pre-operative phase, to admission for surgery through discharge from hospital, including readmission to the hospital, and post-operative follow-up in the clinic, when applicable. PA will also support the wider HPMC Enterprise, specifically Pacifica Foundation in providing outpatient clinic services as assigned.

Standard of Conduct

• Conduct all activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These Laws pertain to such areas as abuse. antitrust, employment discrimination, environmental fraud, false claims, lobbying and political activity, self-referral prohibitions and tax.
• Promote the highest standards of business ethics and integrity. Associates must represent our organization accurately and honestly, and must not engage in any activity intended to defraud anyone of money, property or services. Associates must act in good faith in our organization's best interests.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patient information, and protect confidential and proprietary information about associates and our organization.
• Conduct activities and relationships with others so as to avoid actual conflict of interest, in fact or even appearance. In the event of conflicts, associates must make full disclosure and take appropriate action under the Hospital's Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Conduct business transactions with suppliers, contractors, vendors and other third parties at arm's length, and without offers of or solicitations for gifts, favors or other improper inducements.
• Exercise responsible stewardship to preserve and protect our organization's assets by making prudent and effective use of its resources

Ethics and Compliance

1. Accept responsibility to adheres to company policies and procedures.

2. Develop and maintain an environment of respect and value.

3. Communicate any legal or ethical violations or concerns to appropriate personnel or Corporate Compliance Officer or the Values Line immediately.

4. Will not retaliate against any associate and report retaliation to appropriate personnel immediately.

Duties and Responsibilities

The PA will be responsible for providing direct patient care, assisting in surgical procedures and contributing to the efficient and safe operation of the Advanced Practitioner Provider Program. If a provider specific agreement is in place and in collaboration with the surgeon, the Physician Assistant may:

Facility Setting

1. Collaborate with the surgical team to develop and execute individualized care plans including review of patient medical history.

2. Participate in time-out procedures and ensure accurate patient identification, surgical site, and procedure.

3. Perform surgical tasks under the direct supervision of the attending surgeon, including tissue dissection, wound closure (superficial and deep), hemostasis, bone grafting, and insertion of drainage devices maintaining sterile technique and adherence to all OR policies and procedures.

4. Assist with the immediate postoperative care of patients within the OR, including dressing application and patient transfer and facilitate smooth transitions between cases. Evaluate and initiate discharge planning in prompt manner when assigned.

5. Contribute to maintaining a safe and organized surgical environment

6. Accurately document all aspects of patient care in the electronic medical record, including operative notes, progress notes, and orders, as per hospital policy.

7. Communicate effectively and professionally with all members of the healthcare team, patients, and their families.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC SETTING 1. Conduct physical exams and record patient histories 2. Diagnose and treat patient problems 3. Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood tests 4. Develop and manage treatment plans 5. Prescribe medications

6. Provide patient education and counseling on preventive care

7. Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care

8. Document patient care services accurately and thoroughly

9. Manage follow-up care plans

Required Professional Role

Ability to collaborate and communicate in multi-disciplinary team approach Adherence to all guidelines governing Physician Assistance practices, including Adherence to all hospital/department policies and core values of the hospital and APP Program.

1. Participate in departmental meetings, in-service education, and continuing medical education to maintain and enhance professional competency.

2. Contribute to quality improvement initiatives with the APP Program.

3. Adhere to all hospital and clinic policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Degree of Supervision

1. Functions in collaboration with and under the supervision of the physicians with whom agreement exist.

2. All entries in the patient medical record (history and physical, medication and other orders, progress summary/notes, and discharge summaries) to be countersigned by the supervising physician within seven (7) days in the hospital setting. Clinic documentation does not require supervising physician countersignature.

Knowledge Required for Effective Performance

• Working knowledge including the synthesis of pathophysiology
• Demonstrated skill in physical assessment including history and physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate differential diagnoses
• Abilities demonstrated in verbal and written communication skills, when applicable
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in surgical principles
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, apply, and/or follow physician orders, policies, procedures, or written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated management of general medical and surgical conditions to include pharmacologic and other treatment modalities
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

Job Qualifications

Minimum Education (Indicate minimum education or degree required.)

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED).
• Graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Program.
• Passing of Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) Preferred Education (Indicate preferred education or degree required.)

N/A Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications (Indicate minimum years of job experience, skills or abilities required for the job.)

• Minimum one (2) year medical/surgical training.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work in a union environment. Preferred Work Experience and Qualifications (Indicate preferred years of job experience, skills or abilities required for the job.)
• Surgical Arena

Outpatient clinic settings

Required Licensure, Certification, Registration or Designation:

• Current California Physician Assistant License.
• National certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - (*Must be obtained from NCCPA for initial State license and must be maintained as promulgated by NCCPA ).
• National Provider Identification Number (NPI).
• DEA Registration Number
• American Heart Association BLS Card
• Current Los Angeles County Fire Card required (within 30 days of hire)
• Assault Response Competency (ARC) required (within 30 days of hire)

Full-Time, Exempt