Job Description

Under the general supervision of a licensed physician, the provider evaluates and treats patients having medical and/or surgical problems. Performs patient histories and physical examinations and performs and/or interprets diagnostic tests and/or procedures as detailed in the department specific scope of practice. Participates in teaching and quality assurance activities with other members of the clinical department. Delivers direct patient care.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of an appropriately licensed physician:

1. Performs patient histories and physical examinations; orders laboratory tests and radiographic studies; performs and/or interprets laboratory and test results; initiates patient treatment. May respond to initial requests for service-specific consultation. May initiate or participate in initial management and stabilization of patients or other medical or surgical emergencies.
2. Writes appropriately authorized prescriptions; may prescribe controlled substances under personal active DEA license or appropriate physician counter-signature.
3. May perform routine or emergency procedures in accordance with the PAs clinical privileges, including, but not limited to: irrigation, debridement, and suturing/repair of wounds or incisions, insertion/removal of nasogastric tubes and indwelling urinary catheters, insertion/removal of intravenous lines peripherally or centrally, sampling of arterial blood, placement/removal of arterial lines, removal of surgical drains, placement/management of external ventricular and lumbar drains, placement/management of intracranial monitors, etc.
4. Acts as assistant in operating areas, angiography suites, and procedural areas, as needed. May perform preoperative and post-operative evaluation and render related medical care as necessary.
5. Confers with attending physicians, residents, nursing staff, etc., to ensure delivery of quality patient care. Confers regularly with Supervising Physician and/or Physician Assistant and co-workers to keep them apprised of clinical developments, patient concerns, etc. May participate in special projects assigned by department attendings. May help prepare and analyze QA/PI data for review.
6. Performs other duties pursuant to clinical responsibility, such as arranging follow-up for patients, obtaining informed consent from patients for procedures, recalling patients for further evaluation and treatment, escorting patients, when necessary, to other areas of the hospital, etc. Informs patients of necessary pre-surgical and post-discharge instructions as required. Makes appropriate entries in patients charts.
7. Completes and documents participation in continuing medical education required of physician assistants in order to meet requirements for continuing certification and licensure, including assigned lectures and conferences.
8. Performs related duties as required professionally or at the request of the supervising physician(s), Director of Service, and/or Supervising Physician Assistant.

*-indicates duty is "essential" as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Qualifications

-Job requires completion of NYS-approved program for training of physician assistant to acquire knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and clinical patient care, usually via Bachelor of Science program/degree in a closely related field. Certain education/training may be accepted by NYS in lieu of these requirements (nurse, etc.).

-Valid New York State license and registration as a Physician Assistant.

-Registration required with New York State as Physician Assistant. Certification with National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (or equivalent organization) required for Physician Assistant. Certification may be required with American Heart Association or like organization in some areas as provider of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).

-DEA from DOH/Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.

-Current Infection Control certificate.

-Basic MS Office Suite skill required.

-High level of analytical ability required to effectively and expeditiously diagnose and treat medical/surgical problems under the direction of supervising physician.

-Interacts with various hospital medical, administrative, and professional staff in the course of routine clinical duties. High degree of professional responsibility required for daily contacts with patients and their families.

-Manual dexterity required for adept manipulation of surgical instruments and handling of medical equipment; physical strength necessary for lifting and proper handling/positioning of patients.