Job Requirements

I. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician, provides patient care patients at UMMS faciilities. Performs professional duties and technical procedures of the particular area of specialty to provide overall health care services, such as, history, physical examination, ordering of testing, treatment and evaluation of management. May also perform operative procedures, suturing, and injections.

II. Assists in surgery where applicable and after successful competency and privileges are obtained.

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. For the MIH program see highlighted duties:

a. Physician assistants employed in the Mobile Integrated Health Community Paramedicine Program will perform comprehensive history and physical assessment for patients in their homes and out in the community.

i. Expected to see and care for patients in their home, on-scene and out in the community.

III.

1. Interviews patients for health history and performs physical examinations. Obtains thorough medical histories to include allergies, past medical conditions, current meds review of systems, family history, social history, present illness and performing complete physical examinations of patients according to established procedures and schedules

2. Regularly visits pre- and post-operative patients, independently or with attending physician and/or students, to monitor patient progress in accordance with Medical System policies and procedures and generally accepted professional practice and The Joint Commission standards.

A. Reviews patient records to determine health status.

B. Rounds on inpatients to monitor patient progress in accordance with policies and procedures; relays any problems or concerns to physician. Writes progress notes in patient charts indicating patient status and treatment or procedures performed.

C. Orders laboratory tests, x-rays and special tests and dressing changes.

D. Writes orders, including those of narcotics, stimulants and depressant drugs as necessary.

E. Notifies attending physician on call, house physician on call or supervising physician (or surgeon) regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.

On surgical services, may assist in the preoperative planning and documentation in keeping with protocols. Duties include obtaining necessary clinical photography, measurement and construction of frame prior to surgery. Collects bone measurement data and records for future reference and research purposes.

3. .

4. Answers patient calls promptly; researches, investigates and resolves patient problems to the satisfaction of the patient and the physician. Alerts the appropriate medial personnel regarding patient problems as needed.

A. May take call during non-routine working hours to assist attending physicians in urgent and emergency procedures.

5. Performs clinical procedures such as the application of dressings and bandages, casting and splinting, removal and adjustment of frames, suturing, and administration of medications. Performs these tasks independently, using universal precautions and following prescribed protocols of the hospital.

A. First and second assistance during surgery requires: prepping and draping patients, placing foley catheter, giving pre and post operative health care instruction to the patient, and transporting the patient from the O.R. to the PACU.

6. Collects data for prospective studies and manipulates via computer for various reporting or research purposes.

7. Performs in-service training for medical paramedical personnel locally, nationally and internationally. Assists in supervising students; designs, directs, instructs and evaluates the activities of physician assistant students.

III. Education and Experience

1. Graduation from a Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required. Evidence of current certification as a Physician Assistant by the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance.

2. Certification or eligibility for certification by National Commission for Certifying Physician Assistants is required.

3. Registration by Maryland State Board for Medical Examiners as a Physician Assistant is required.

4. Copy of a letter of agreement approved by Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required.

5. Current BLS is required; ACLS is required. .

IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

2. Highly effective verbal and written skills are required to work with all levels of hospital personnel, administrators and clinical staff.

3. Ability to work in a team atmosphere and maximize efficient system operations.

4. Physician Assistants in the Mobile Integrated Health Community Paramedicine Program will perform patient visits in patient homes and out in the community. The Physician Assistant will be responding to treat patients on scene via SUV and/or ambulance working outside of hospital environment.

VI. Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.

2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.