Full Job Description
In collaboration with the Chair of the Division of Renal Disease-Nephrology, the Physician Assistant (PA) provides exceptional care to a diverse patient population with renal diseases. The PA provides comprehensive health care by managing patients from pre-dialysis in the outpatient chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinics, rounding on in-patient End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) service and the dialysis units, and post hospital follow up for continuity of care. The PA is responsible for monitoring and adjusting dialysis treatments and medications based on lab results, and order appropriate referrals, as necessary. The PA Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends. The PA will offer group education classes for the promotion of kidney health and chronic kidney disease/renal replacement therapy. Performs duties within the legal guidelines of the Cook County Health (CCH) policies.
Typical Duties
- Manages and provides independent care for CKD patients in out-patient renal clinics through managing a panel of patient with chronic kidney disease inclusive of diagnosing and treating patients with hypertension and renal diseases: facilitating health maintenance and wellness through prevention; prescribing medications, diet, supplies and other health aides; performs clinical procedures as delegated by the collaborating physician.
- Conducts history and physical exams and develops a plan of care in accordance with guidelines established by the attending physician, nephrologist.
- Conducts dialysis rounds, writes outpatient and inpatient dialysis orders, monitors patients’ weights, adjusts fluids to accommodate volume shifts, and adjusts medications according to blood pressure and lab values.
- Provides necessary renal/dialysis coverage.
- Participates in monthly care plans for CCH out-patient dialysis patients
- Orders, performs, interprets, and implements appropriate action for laboratory and other diagnostic tests.
- Obtains informed consent for procedures performed and provides ongoing renal care.
- Assumes primary responsibility for interviewing patients to obtain comprehensive health history in hypertension and/or renal diseases. Strong communication skills are necessary.
- Must be flexible to cover separate renal clinic sessions program.
- Participates in one half-day per month for dialysis quality initiative and quality assurance, and other clinical projects with physicians.
- Educates and counsels patients on treatment options and expected outcomes and provides education classes for patients with renal disease.
- Coordinates continuity of care between the hospital and other health care settings.
- Participate in monthly renal conferences, interdisciplinary staff development in hypertension and renal diseases.
- Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives, if applicable.
- Adheres to quality and patient safety standards set forth by CCH.
- Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, i.e., hand hygiene.
- Prescribes and dispenses medications utilizing best practices.
- Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional requirements.
- Maintains professional licensing requirements and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Successful completion of a Physician Assistant Program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or proof of completion of ARC-PA program two (2) weeks prior to hire date
- Completion and maintenance of certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or eligibility to obtain certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) or eligibility to obtain certification two (2) weeks prior to hire date
- Current valid State of Illinois Physician Assistant License OR temporary license as a Physician Assistant from the State of Illinois or eligibility to obtain license two (2) weeks prior to hire date
- Current Physician Assistant Controlled Substance License in the State of Illinois or ability to obtain prior to employment.
- Active Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) License within 6 months of hire date
- Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Preferred Qualifications
- One (1) year of experience working in a dialysis unit or managing patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in a health care setting including primary care
- Bilingual
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
- Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
- Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
- Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting.
- Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
- Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
- Strong customer service and empathy skills
- Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
- Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
- Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
- Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision
- Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for PHI
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
- Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
- Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
- Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature
VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
VETERAN PREFERENCE
PLEASE READ
When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
- Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
- Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
- Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable
OR
A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference
MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.
***Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.***
***Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to include a State of Illinois MD license and any other license, certification, or specialized training, etc. no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date.***
- Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
- CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.
COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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