Physician Assistant

Position Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) performs clinical services that include but are not limited to ordering, conducting, and interpreting appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests, prescriptions of pharmacological agents and treatments and non-pharmacological therapies; also provides medical services to individuals and families, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, as well as the evaluation and management of acute and chronic diseases, and demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care that is appropriate to the ages of the patients served, in accordance with the Heartland Health Services’ (HHS) mission, strategic goals, federal and state laws and regulations, performance and outcome objectives, and accreditation standards.

Essential Functions

• Assesses the health status of patients by obtaining a relevant medical and health history, performing a physical exam based on age and history, etc., and updates and records any change in health status.
• Establishes priorities and devises a mutually acceptable plan of care to maximize the health potential of the individual. This may include ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, identifying appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Conducts and interprets diagnostic tests, prescribes non-pharmacological therapies, provides relevant patient education to the individual and/or family, and makes referrals to other appropriate health professionals and community agencies.
• Maintains a process for systematic follow-up by determining the effectiveness of the plan of care through documentation of client outcomes, reassessing and modifying the care plan as necessary to achieve medical and health goals, and maintaining accurate, legible, and confidential records.
• Participates in quality assurance review periodically including systematic review of records and treatment plans, maintains current knowledge by attending educational programs, and certification in compliance with current state law.
• Function as a role model and preceptor for PA and Nurse Practitioner (NP) students and nursing students completing a formal education program.
• Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with patients, family members, Heartland clinicians and personnel, and outside agencies. Showing compassion and understanding to patients and families.
• Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate to the age of the patients served including their growth and development as well as their physical, emotional, and psycho-social needs.
• Strongly committed to quality patient care, teamwork, and teaching of patients, family, other health professionals and students.
• Must be able to work with physicians and staff members in a positive manner. Being a positive role model for staff to perceive and follow.
• Incorporates patient centered medical home principles in daily provision of medical care.
• Supports clinic compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and HHS rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures governing the clinical provision of medical services as well as those relating to, but not limited to, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.
• Supports and is involved in HHS’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction.
• Works in consultation with clinical teams, direct clinical support staff, and indirect clinical support staff to develop and implement policies and procedures that maximize patient-centered communication and services.
• Maintains and assures confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HHS’s policies.
• Reports building/equipment problems through the appropriate channels.
• Performs any clerical duty or department related task as assigned by supervisor in a continuously changing medical practice.
• Attends all staff meetings, department meetings, and any other meetings as required.

Requirements:

• Requires an advanced professional level of knowledge which can be acquired by completion and licensure as a Physician Assistant.
• Current state license as a Physician Assistant and current DEA license.
• Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Ability to demonstrate the principles of growth and development and the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of the patient population served.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to educate patients and their families and provide emotional support during a crisis, deal effectively with physicians, and provide training and education to residents, medical students, and nurses.
• Strong analytical ability to assess condition of patient based on physical examination, and appearance and laboratory and related clinical data; develop patient care plans and monitor progress toward goals; and recognize and initiate emergency interventions as appropriate.
• Basic Microsoft Word and Excel knowledge preferred but not required.
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) experience preferred but not required.