JOB SUMMARYThe Physician Assistant (PA) provides medical consultation, follow-ups, routine patient care and performs minor office procedures. The position requires population-specific competencies as a component of the annual compliance program of the Sheridan Memorial hospital. They will adhere to National Patient Safety Goals as appropriate based on the level of patient contact this position requires.
The PA functions in an advanced clinical role and is primarily responsible for diagnosing and treating patients in the office setting. The PA will provide medical services for patients in the medical facility and clinic under physician supervision, perform physical examinations within the prescribed guidelines and practices of the physician. They must have the ability to diagnose and manage common acute and stable chronic diseases. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ordering, interpreting and evaluating diagnostic and laboratory tests and prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Documentation of physical findings and patient care plan will be recorded in the patient's medical record each time the patient is seen.
The PA will discuss cases with the supervising physician and other health care professionals as needed to prepare patient care plans. Patient referrals to the physician for consultation or to specialized health resources for treatment will be made appropriately. Inpatient and outpatient consultations will be performed as requested by other practitioners. This employee will participate in performance improvement and CQI activities as necessary. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals as well as healthcare consumers is a required skill. The PA will also provide clinic administrative support services as necessary.
On the hospital units, the PA will perform medical assessments, initiate and evaluate care under the sponsorship of the staff Physician. (Please see core privileges specific to Sheridan Memorial Hospital)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES- Adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
- Adheres to professional guidelines for practice such as defined by the Wyoming State Board of Medicine and Standards of Practice.
- Collaborates with other departments in a professional manner as needed to provide patient-centered care.
- Demonstrates effective communication, conflict resolution, team building, and leadership skills.
- Compliance with Sheridan Memorial Hospital's Kindness First Service Standards.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy and specific to unit age specific populations.
- Ability to formulate and revise an individualized plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment. Evaluates overall plan daily for effectiveness.
- Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques including non- pharmacological techniques. Includes patient and family in all aspects of pain management through on-going education about pain, assessment, treatment and common barriers to adequate management.
- Performs counseling/education services.
- Documentation meets current standards and policies.
- Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services within scope of practice.
- Communicates appropriately and clearly to all health care team members.
- Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs.
- Provides care appropriate to disease condition and age of the patient.
- Reports significant events such as near misses, adverse events, patient/family complaints, and any situation that affects the safe delivery of patient-centered care in a timely manner.
- Initiates and completes a detailed patient assessment including history and physical exam, ordering of laboratory tests, radiological examinations and other routine diagnostic procedures.
- Screens and treats patients for medical problems and consults with supervising physicians on unusual problems encountered.
- Obtains pre-operative medical clearances of patients for medical problems and consults with supervising physicians on unusual problems encountered.
- Diagnoses the actual or potential health problem or need, based upon an analysis of the data collected, and plans therapeutic intervention.
- Participates in multidisciplinary rounds and make recommendations when appropriate.
- Interacts directly with hospital staff, administration, patients, and the general public as a liaison for the Big Horn Health Network.
- Orders and initiates appropriate medication, treatment, and consultation based upon an analysis of the data collected.
- Makes hospital rounds as directed by the supervising physician.
- Assists in successful implementation of programs to improve coding and reimbursement for office-specific procedures.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
- Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
- Functions as liaison between the patient/family, physicians, other healthcare providers and administration.
- Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
- Assists in successful implementation of programs to improve coding and reimbursement for office-specific procedures.
- Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function well under stressful situations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Education / Experience / License and Certifications- Completion of and certification in an accredited Physician Assistant program.
- Licensed as a Physician's Assistant by the State of Wyoming.
- NCCPA certification, required.
- BLS certification, required.
- ACLS certification, preferred
Additional Skills- Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
- Additional languages desirable
- Basic computer knowledge
- Organizational skills
- Participates in continuing education activities within the department and organization
- Attends and actively participates in departmental staff meetings
- Keeps up to date with clinical practice and evidence-based practice guidelines
- Stays abreast of organizational policies and procedures
Specific demands not listed: Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products.
