Physician Assistant (PA)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of this job description include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the mission, vision, and core values of the organization.
• Contributes to physician's effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range patient care issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physician directives.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying medical histories.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering injections and immunizations; suturing; managing wounds and infections.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; discussing family planning; providing counseling on emotional problems of daily living; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Provides continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans.
• Functions independently to perform age-appropriate history and physical for complex acute, critical, and chronically ill patients.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic and therapeutic tests relative to patient’s age-specific needs.
• Prescribes appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities
• Implements interventions to support the patient to regain or maintain physiologic stability, including but not limited to serving in the first assisting role.
• Provides individualized patient/family education customized to the patient and his/her family.
• Maintains confidentiality in matters related to patient, family and client facility staff.
• Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the patient’s and family’s diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity and rights.
• Reports patient condition to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains current competency in specialty by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
• Promotes positive public relations to physicians, patients, visitors, other employees, and the community.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Provides for patients’/significant others’ rights and safety; strives to manage situations in a manner to reduce risk while following legal and regulatory standards.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned in an efficient, effective and cost conscious manner, complying with and following all hospital policies, procedures, and regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATION and EDUCATIONAL AND /OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree or related field and Graduate Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program.
• Two (2) years of experience as Physician Assistant is preferred.
• Valid licensure as a Physician Assistant (PA) by the National Board of Medical Examiners, Georgia Medical Composite Board, or the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
• Currently certified through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Possess advanced clinical skills and problem solving management skills
• Possess knowledge of prescription medications and their applications.
• Maintenance of credentialing and licensing
• Seeking continuously to improve the quality of care provided
• Ability to:
  • effectively communicate and work with other physicians, nurses, patients, families, staff, other health care professionals, and management
  • work as a team player and multi-task is necessary for this position
  • determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations
  • work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude
  • manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
  • maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
  • complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
  • communicate effectively, both orally and in writing/electronically
  • handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Provide excellent customer service skills and basic computer skills required
• Possesses good interpersonal skills, initiative, integrity, flexibility, adaptability, and must be a team player

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to patient elements, prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking, sitting, bending/twisting, kneeling/squatting, reaching, climbing and should be able to lift 25 or more pounds using proper lifting techniques. Rapidly changing and stressful environment. Ability to communicate with various levels of people. Possible exposure to communicable and infectious disease and hazardous materials. Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements (accidents, injuries and illness). Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple tasks and inquiries.

The information in this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification and requirements for the performance of this job.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.