Job Summary/Objective: The Physician Assistant (PA) will provide health care services to patients under the direction of a physician. PA's are academically and clinically trained to perform many of the routine but time-consuming tasks that physicians usually do and are accountable for their own actions and accountable to their supervising physicians.
Essential Job Functions: The Physician Assistant (PA) promotes and maintains patient health by providing medical services that begin with an initial patient consultation and continue with ongoing care and assessment throughout the clinical relationship. - Examines patient, takes medical history, records results, and makes preliminary diagnosis or decides on follow-up procedures.
- Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records
- Administers and orders diagnostic tests such as x-rays, electrocardiograms, and blood work, and interprets test results.
- Performs therapeutic procedures such as immunizations, injections, suturing and wound care, and managing infection.
- Exercises professional judgment regarding consultation with supervising physicians concerning appropriate treatment.
- Develops and implements patient care plans, instructs and counsels patients, and records progress.
- Prescribes medications to the extent allowable by state guidelines and clinic regulations.
- Provides general health education regarding matters such as proper diet, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
The Physician Assistant (PA) assists physician with emergency treatments and more complex procedures. They detail the medical issue afflicting the patient and the patient's medical history, and then submit it to the attending doctor for consultation. - Implements physician directives.
- Monitors the patient through office visits, pre- or post-surgery visits, or through interactions with other medical specialists.
- Communicates clearly and compassionately with patients and their colleagues within often stressful medical treatment settings. Counsels patients and their families regarding treatments and patient management plans.
- Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. Complies with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; and enforcing adherence to requirements and advising management on needed actions.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Required Education and Experience - Bachelor's Degree in a Physician Assistant Program
- Two years of experience in a clinical setting
Additional Eligibility Qualifications - State accreditation based on certifying exam.
- Continued employment requires 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and passing a recertification examination every six years.
