Physician Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of a physician, the Physician Assistant is responsible for providing varied medical services, which may include: obtaining complete medical history and performing a physical examination; ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and imaging studies; formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan; prescribing and/or dispensing medication; assisting in surgery or other invasive procedures; rounding on admitted patients; counseling patients and families, and other patient care duties. May be involved with a patient’s medical care in any role which the attending physician deems proper and consistent with applicable law, hospital regulations, delineation of privileges, and the Physician Assistant’s training, knowledge, skill, and experience.

Position: Physician Assistant

Department: Neurosurgery-In-Patient

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• In collaboration with attending physicians, admits, evaluates, treats, assists in the evaluation and preparation of patients for surgery; acts as first and second assistant in the operating room; provides care for patients following surgery and helps prepare patients for discharge.

• Provides patient care management. Reviews history, performs physical assessment, formulates care plans, and follow-up. Orders and interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests.

• Performs and/or interprets routine diagnostic studies, including routine laboratory procedures, common radiological studies, and interpretation of EKG’s.

• Presents and discusses the findings of the initial evaluation with the Attending Physician to determine the treatment plan. Documents the treatment plan and writes appropriate orders.

• Serves as first or second assistant in the operating room. Prepares and drapes patient; harvests vein as needed; closes skin incisions; inserts intra-arterial catheters for monitoring purposes; performs related procedures as directed by attending surgeon.

• Provides postoperative care of patients. Performs, as needed, basic nursing care, such as, phlebotomy, removal of chest tubes; management of cardiac pacemakers or other cardiac assist devices, insertion of catheters; nasogastric tubes; removal of staples, sutures and temporary wires, wound care (i.e. debridement, dressing changes), etc.

• Makes rounds to evaluate patients and writes progress reports.

• Oversees the entire clinical experience to assure that there is coordination and consolidation of patient care plans and execution of those plans to tie the service together. Facilitates communication with other departments, rehabilitation and home care staff, to ensure the delivery of excellent cost effective and efficient patient care.

• Consults with physicians or surgeons regarding the care of patients for more complex diagnosis.

• Under the countersignature of the attending physician, is responsible for transcribing preoperative and postoperative orders including prescription medication, fluid orders, diets, activity levels and other procedures, as authorized applicable law and department protocol.

• May be authorized to write appropriate prescription orders, including those for narcotics, stimulants, and depressant drugs, and pre and postoperative orders as necessary.

• Records and maintains legible, accurate and confidential patient medical records including initial evaluation, subsequent follow-up, unusual incidents or problems, and patient progress to provide complete and up-to-date information for ongoing reference and evaluation. Prepares discharge documentation and post-discharge instructions.

• Educates patients and/or families about preventive and post-discharge care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatments and/or medications.

• Ensures treatment and consultations consistent with NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance), TJC (The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), and federal and state regulatory standards.

• May also be responsible for orienting fellows, residents, and medical students in the daily operations of the cardiothoracic service.

• Attends weekly staff meetings.

• Ensures professional growth and development through participation in educational programs and workshops and maintaining knowledge of industry standards and practices.

• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.

• Utilizes hospital’s cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital’s mission and goals.

• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

• Performs other duties as required.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Qualified Physician Assistants will hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and must be a graduate of a PA Program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) or its predecessor.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• In order to apply for the position, the PA must be National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) PANCE eligible and eligible for PA licensure in the State of Massachusetts. Documentation of Massachusetts PA license and initial NCCPA certification are required upon hire. If prescribing medications is included in clinical duties and privileges, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration and federal DEA Controlled Substance Registration are required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in similar neurosurgery setting/specialty preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Successful candidates will be self-directed, demonstrate initiative and professionalism, and exercise expert clinical judgment to function independently in this role.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English are required in order to communicate complex medical information to collaborators such as patients and their families, physicians, staff, and community health workers.

• Physician assistants who have exceptional problem solving and conflict resolution skills are preferred.

• Individuals with an interest and/or expertise caring for diverse populations of patients with varying levels of health literacy are encouraged to apply for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans