Physician Assistant

Position Summary

Provides primary healthcare under the direction of the designated Approved Supervising Physician, and under the general supervision of the Outpatient Center and/or Emergency Department medical directors. Manages selected cases according to established protocols.

Prepares case histories, medical reports and other records. Prepares treatment plans. Orders x-rays and other diagnostic procedures. Writes prescription transmittal orders according to protocols. Refers acute and chronic care patients. Conducts health assessments utilizing diagnostic tools and laboratory tests.

Provides patient education counseling. Performs other duties as requested by physicians or director.

Position requires ability to make decisions for patient welfare based on medical findings and to develop and implement treatment plans. Must demonstrate compassion and patience to families and patients. Capable of working within designated clinical standards, and within the Delegation of Services Agreement in effect between the physician assistant and the approved supervising physician.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in ECRMC’s policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provide patient medical services, which are limited to services within the training and experience of the practitioner, services customary to the practice of the supervising physician and in accordance with the Protocols of Patient Care, as amended, and in accord with other policies and procedures as approved by the Supervising Physician, the Outpatient Center’s and/or Emergency Department medical directors Administration and applicable state laws.

2. Obtain complete, detailed, and accurate medical histories on new patients. Review patient records to develop comprehensive medical status reports.

3. Performs health assessments and physical examinations and record all pertinent patient data.

4. Interpret and integrate patient data, as authorized by the Supervising Physician, for the purposes of establishing presumptive diagnoses, and the general workup of the patient by ordering appropriate laboratory studies, radiological and other special examinations or diagnostic procedures required for the evaluation of illness.

5. Synthesize data to determine a patient assessment and a therapeutic plan in accordance with established protocols.

6. Perform therapeutic procedures in accord with clinic treatment protocols and as authorized by the Supervising Physician. Within the scope authorized, adapt and apply the principles, methods, and techniques of medicine to provide quality patient care.

7. Administer injections, immunizations, and oral medication. Sutures wounds. Prescribe, administer, and dispense drugs in accordance with federal and state laws and standards of practice.

8. Provide instructions and guidance regarding medical care matters to patients and their families.

9. Arrange for referral or refer patients to needed services that cannot be provided to patients in the clinic.

10. Interview and advice patients regarding health and illness prevention. Recommend community resources to meet patient and family needs as appropriate.

11. Assists physicians working in the clinic as necessary.

12. Deliver medical care services to patients at other locations, as authorized by the Supervising Physician and medical directors.

13. Triage patient telephone calls and provide consultation.

14. Perform independent evaluations and treatment procedures in emergency situations.

15. Monitor patients and provide continuity of care between visits.

16. Record complete and accurate chart entries on patient transactions, writing orders, and recording progress notes summarizing patient clinical care. Maintain patient confidentiality.

17. Facilitate the review of medical records and other documents, by the approved supervising physician, of patients treated by the physician assistant.

18. Participate fully as a member of the clinic staff.

This includes participating in developing, executing and periodically reviewing the clinic's written policies, Treatment Protocols, and the services provided to patients, participating in quality assurance review of the clinic's patient records, maintain patient records according to clinic policies and procedures, provide patient related information for business functions such as billing and as may be necessary to plan and evaluate services, attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested, participate in professional development activities and maintain professional affiliations.

19. Knowledge of professional medical practice and care to give and evaluate patient care.

20. Knowledge of the organizational policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care

21. Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.

22. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.

23. Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of medicine to provide on-going patient care.

24. Skill in taking medical history assessing medical condition and interpreting findings.

25. Skill in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence.

26. Skill in developing and maintaining clinic quality assurance and a continuous quality improvement program.

27. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with patients, clinical staff, and public.

28. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply treatment protocol guidelines and procedures.

29. Ability to recognize medical condition requiring consultation with Supervising Physician and to work with Supervising Physician, in person or by phone, on these and other cases outside the scope of established protocols.

30. Ability to react calmly and provide effective medical care in emergency situations

31. Must be insurable for professional liability.

32. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Additional Job Duties Below

Interpersonal Skills

1. Consistently demonstrates high level of professionalism, communication, and compassion with regard to human dignity. Model a high standard of conduct, honesty and integrity in all situations.

2. Demonstrates professional behavior through compassionate care, self-control, respect for confidentiality and the establishment of trust in all situations.

3. Adheres to professional standards of behavior and communication in the workplace and actively avoids creating or participating in situations that could be considered harassment or unfair to others.

4. Understands the elements of cultural diversity and applies sensitivity in communicating and working with others.

Teamwork

1. Actively promotes teamwork among co-workers, supervisor and other departments and build productive relationships.

2. Demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to needs of others.

3. Assists with problem solving and/or staff recommendations by working with task forces, unit committees, PI projects and/or team initiatives.

Communication

1. Written and oral communication skills are effective in improving individual and department performance.

2. Communicates clearly; responds promptly, keeps others informed; clarifies misunderstood communications; actively listens and solicits feedback.

3. Keeps current on team and/or job assignments and keeps other team members advised on projects.

4. Encourages cooperation, develops trust and supports teammates.

Service Quality

1. Demonstrates exemplary customer relations; actively promotes improvement to the working environment through conscientious, sensitive treatment of patients, customers, clients, and other team members.

2. Interacts with all customers appropriately; follows through on requests, concerns or complaints. Practices service recovery.

3. Keeps patient informed concerning their plan of care, treatments, tests medications and pain management (if applicable).

4. Provides physicians or other hospital staff with required information and changes in patient status when calling or responding to inquiries (if applicable).

Leadership

1. Consistently provides positive leadership and guidance to team members; acts as a role model for excellent performance, high quality work, respectful communication, teamwork and exceptional service.

2. Performs duties in a professional manner, provides guidance to less experienced staff.

3. Identifies potential conflicts of interest and seeks guidance for clarification and/or resolution.

4. Identifies potential compliance issues and reports through supervisor or hotline for resolution.

Safety

1. Performs required job skills in a safe, accurate, professional manner meeting department performance guidelines.

2. Adheres to all Environment of Care (EOC), workplace safety and injury prevention standards.

3. Knows emergency codes and appropriate response.

Quality Improvement

1. Measures outcomes so that results consistently meet or exceed established guidelines for quality.

2. Active and productive participant in quality improvement activities of department and/or hospital.

3. Maintains a dedication to excellence. Meets quality standards for job. Work is accurate and complete.

4. Knows and applies Focused-PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) methodology.

5. Actively participates in reducing errors, eliminating waste and assuring patient safety.

Flexibility/Adaptability

1. Seeks opportunities to expand participation outside the normal job function.

2. Willingly provides assistance a