Physician Assistant

• Job Title: Physician Assistant
• Reports to: Chief Medical Director and Supervising Physician and VP of Clinical Services
• Per Diem Preferred | Part-Time/Full-Time Considered

Position Scope

The Physician Assistant assesses treats, solves problems, counsel, and educates hospice and palliative care patients, utilizing advanced assessment and evaluation techniques.

Essential Functions

• Performs consultative visits for certification and recertification assessment
• Performs consultative visits for pain and symptom management

Offers clinical changes to plan of care with collaboration from attending physician and/or medical director. Offers clinical nursing changes to plan of care and communicates to hospice care team

Prepares and provides staff training and medical and community training on relevant clinical aspects and end-of-life philosophy and care

Confers with medical directors to review diagnosis, assessment criteria, and issues of pain and symptom management for population served

Participates in research activities and uses research as guidelines in provision of care for terminally ill patients

• Participates in agency quality improvement process
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient/family information
• Provides information concerning Hospice of Huntington program to patients and families
• Initiates any immediate orders with consult of the attending medical director

Assesses health status and health potential: plans, implements and evaluates health care needs of the patient/family

Plans and evaluates therapeutic regimens for patients, to minimize pain and suffering, consulting with physicians and other members of the health care team, and community agencies

• Performs history and physical examination, and records data
• Identifies normal and abnormal findings, and consults any needs with physician to determine the plan of treatment
• Practices standard precautions in all contacts with patients
• Teaches and demonstrates care to be provided by the patient, family, or other staff members
• Provides emotional support to patients and families in a manner that fosters independence and affirms existing strengths
• Follows WV and OH regulations for supervision, chart review and parameters of practice.
• Participates in the provision of palliative care services through the Tri-State LifeCare Palliative programs.

Essential Functions Continued

Provides support for skilled nursing care, case management, and other clinical support services to patient/families in the home setting and Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House if assigned

Identifies need for intervention by other members of the interdisciplinary team on an ongoing basis; collaborates in the planning of such care

Documents care provided and the response of the patient/family; completes documentation in a timely fashion as described in agency policy

Teaches hospice and palliative philosophy and techniques of pain and symptom management to staff in alternate care settings (nursing homes, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, etc.)

• Participates in the orientation of new members of the interdisciplinary team, students, and residents
• Respects the autonomy and right to confidentiality of all patients and families

Delivers care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of hospice and palliative care reimbursement methodologies

Participates in the development of policies, procedures, clinical protocols, forms, and service programs as requested

Seeks opportunities for professional growth, including demonstrating the ability to receive constructive performance feedback

• Carries out the mission and values of Hospice of Huntington, Inc.
• Acts independently and responsibly to perform job duties on a consistent basis
• Performs palliative care consults in the hospital, home and nursing facility
• Will perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skills

• Manages time effectively to encompass direct patient care, IDT and other meetings
• Possesses interpersonal skills that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication
• Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Demonstrates proficiency in clinical assessment and knowledge of treatment
• Demonstrates ability to obtain and interpret information relating to patient needs
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the range of treatment needed by adult and pediatric patients
• Demonstrates knowledge of agency and hospice and palliative policies and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge of hospice philosophy, palliative model of care, pain and symptom management, clinical interventions and strategies
• Works independently, demonstrates critical thinking and organizational skills

Certification and Licenses / Education and Work Experience

• Completion of Accredited Physician Assistant Program
• Master's Degree
• Current license to practice as a physician assistant in Ohio and West Virginia
• Two years experience of practice in the Physician Assistant Role

Work Environment And/or Physical Demands

Must be able to travel to and access patient homes where conditions may be adverse due to weather, environment or patients' lifestyles.

Must be able to continuously stand and walk, frequently squat, climb stairs, bend to the floor, reach over the shoulder, kneel, twist, sit, lift/transfer patients, and remain in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods of time.

Must have visual acuity sufficient to continuously note changes in patient condition (breathing, color, skin integrity) and to read a thermometer, sphygmomanometer dial, and other instruments.

Must have hearing acuity sufficient to auscultate BP, hear verbal instructions and communication from clients, respond to emergency alarms, and answer the telephone.

Must be able to concentrate on moderate details with frequent interruptions, attend to specific functions for 10-25 minutes, remember multiple tasks and assignments over an 8-12 hour period, and understand and relate specific ideas and concepts.

Must be able to deal effectively with stress, patients and their families, multiple tasks, noise, interruptions, and emotional loss, and to work cooperatively with other members of the interdisciplinary team while maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and possession of a valid driver's license.