| Description |
Under the general supervision of a physician, the Physician Assistant is responsible for providing varied medical services, including: 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; 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, hospital regulations, delineation of privileges, and the Physician Assistant’s training, knowledge, skill, and experience.
RESPONSBILITIES:
In collaboration with attending physicians, admits, evaluates, treats, discharges patients, assist with surgical procedures as well as pre and post-operative care.
• Performs and/or interprets routine diagnostic studies, including routine laboratory procedures, common radiological studies.
• Makes rounds to evaluate patients and writes progress reports.
• Performs therapeutic procedures, wound care, suturing, incision and drainage of superficial infections, and wound debridement.
• Assists in the delivery of services to patients requiring continuing care by acting as liaison with patient’s primary care, attending or referring physician.
• Facilitates communication with other departments to ensure the delivery of excellent cost effective and efficient patient care.
• Educates patients and/or families about preventive care, medical issues, and use of prescribed medical treatments and/or medications.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Ensures professional growth and development through participation in educational programs and workshops and maintaining knowledge of industry standards and practices.
• Maintains patients’ confidentiality.
• 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.
EDUCATION:
• Must hold a Bachelor degree in any field (scientific field preferred) and be a graduate of an American Medical Association (AMA) approved Physician Assistant Program.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:
• Must be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants within one year of hire; must maintain this certification by completing required 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education credits every two years. In addition PA must demonstrate continued competence by passing a re-certification exam every six years
• If prescribing medications is included in clinical duties and privileges, Texas Controlled Substances Registration and federal DEA Controlled Substance Registration are required.
EXPERIENCE:
• 2 years of surgical experience desirable.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Expert clinical judgment to function in an independent role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to collaborate with patients, families, physicians, staff, and community health workers.
• Ability to be self-directive and demonstrate initiative in addressing responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate complex verbal and written information in English to medical center staff, patients, families and external customers.
• Ability to utilize appropriate problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Must be able to maintain strict protocols of all confidential or sensitive information.
• Bilingual - Spanish helpful
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