Emergency Department - Physician Assistant

REPORTS TO/Immediate Supervisor: Attending Physician

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The physician assistant in orthopedic surgery will assist in medical and surgical care of orthopedic office patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting as outlined in the Principal Duties and Responsibilities below and will participate in all aspects of patient care as indicated. The P.A. will also have direct reporting responsibility to the Attending Physician of the respective patients for all evaluations and other duties performed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Inpatient:

1. Complete individual daily rounds on all inpatients and documentation of medical plan

2. Participate in rounding with Attending Physician several times per week

3. Provide routine medical management of inpatient care including ordering of diagnostic tests, labs, x-rays, medications (within the scope of the PA license) and nutrition, managing adjunctive care

4. Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and communication of treatment plans with orthopedic physician, nursing staff, and families.

5. Conduct procedures (under direction and appropriate level of supervision of the Attending Physician), including but not limited to: placement of indwelling lines and catheters, placement of skeletal hardware, management of closed fractures, aspiration/injection of bursae, joints, tenosynovia, anatomic compartments, cysts

6. Initiate appropriate emergency care in the inpatient and outpatient setting until the arrival of the supervising physician.

7. Manage discharge of patients with appropriate disposition, follow-up planning, adjunctive therapy management and education

8. Make assessment of emergency conditions and, in conjunction with attending physician, implement management

Surgery:

1. Prepare patients for surgery, including education, positioning, skin preparation and administration of local anesthetic, and preparation of equipment

2. Function as first assistant in the operating room including performing surgical exposure, surgical dissections, layer closure of wounds, harvesting of autologous graft materials, application of immobilization devices

3. Assist with use of monitoring devices, including radiographic equipment

Outpatient:

1. Participates in initial evaluation and longitudinal care

2. Obtain medical history and perform physical examination

3. Develop and implement plan of care with attending supervision

4. Complete appropriate documentation of all evaluations, care, and services rendered in the medical record

5. Make appropriate referral for consultations

6. Provide pre-and post-operative patient education to patients and their families

7. Respond to telephone inquiries of patients and provide appropriate medical care, referral for consultation or counseling

8. Communicate with referring or primary care physicians regarding patient care and treatment

9. Provide follow-up and health maintenance care including the appropriate adjustment of medications in accordance with established protocols or in response to specific instructions from the Attending Physician

10.Prescription of medications to accomplish the plan of treatment

Education:

1. Participate in educational curriculum of daily lecture and lab series as outlined

2. Read assignments

3. Teach other providers as appropriate for level of experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

Education:

· Physician Assistant Degree

· New York State Registered Physician Assistant – Certified (RPA-C)

· Licensure or eligible for licensing as a Physician’s Assistant in the State of New York

· Intermediate knowledge of and experience utilizing a personal computer.

· Intermediate word processing skills required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have any positions reporting to it. However, the incumbent

provides training and guidance to clinic support staff and others as appropriate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General busy clinical environment including office, operating room, hospital (Including inpatient floors) and Radiology for film review. Incumbent is required to help move patients when needed. There is requirement for prolonged standing and walking.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Good organizational skills.

Incumbent should have the ability to manage multiple tasks in a busy clinical environment.

Exceptional customer service skills.

Above average oral and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work independently

Ability to effectively communicate and work with physicians, residents, nurses, patients, families, staff, other health care professionals, and management.