Physician Assistant

Job Title: Physician Assistant

Position Code: G02E

Salary Grade: 6A

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Health Center Operations

LOCATION: Health Centers

Union Exempt: No

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Clinical Supervisor and the direct supervision of a licensed Physician, provides primary medical and preventive care to patients with acute and chronic illnesses in their assigned health center(s). May supervise support staff in an out-of-hours or remote clinical setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts physical exams for all age groups to include health histories, labs, and other tests as appropriate with a focus on prevention.
• Diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses, both chronic and severe.
• Prescribes medications and maintains medication log for in/out and distribution.
• Orders laboratory tests and interprets results.
• Consults with physicians and other medical specialists as required for complex medical care.
• Orders prescription refills and medication callbacks
• Contacts patients through telephone to schedule appointments and do follow-ups.
• Performs specialized procedures to include suturing, biopsies, and nail removals.
• Performs specialized exams to include PAP's, eye exams, and otoscopic exams.
• Consults with pharmacy technician for optimal drugs and dosages and to prevent drug interactions.
• Charts and documents all patient interactions.
• Participates in immunization clinics well child clinics, diabetes screenings, and health promotion.
• Participates in education and training of nurses and medical assistants to improve their clinical skills.
• Participates in the Diabetes collaborative.
• Provides counseling to parents and/or children, focusing on preventive health care.
• Performs emergency lifesaving procedures in cases such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, massive hemorrhage, or similar emergencies.
• Notifies supervising physician regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Supervises and/or coordinates the activities of patient care and support staff within the clinic.
• Provides health education to patients and families; may train and supervise medical residents engaged in specific clinical activities.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Participate in site and organizational quality assurance and improvement.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program;
• Previous experience in underserved community health programs;
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• State of New Mexico Certified Physician's Assistant or certification pending, as documented by temporary certificate;
• NM Board of Medical Examiners Licensure;
• NM State Board of Pharmacy (DEA);
• CPR Certified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of primary care principles and practices.
• Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
• Ability to perform medical examinations using standard medical procedures.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of drugs and their indications, contraindications, dosing, side effects, and proper administration.
• Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to clearly communicate medical information to professional practitioners and/or the general public.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions.
• Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
• Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of disease and to provide instruction on proper care and treatment.

Age of Patients Served

• Neonates, infants, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

• Physical Effort and Dexterity: Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word-processing and data entry.
• Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read results of medical tests and computer monitor and outputs accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Environment/Working Conditions: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Work is inside a clinic in a controlled environment at multiple health centers working with managers, providers, support staff, and FCCH partners. Normal office and clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position requires travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to attend meetings and conferences, and meet deadlines.