Physician Assistant

Job Objective: Under the general supervision of the director of Medical operations, plans, directs, and evaluates patients in an ambulatory health setting. Examines and treats chronic and acute episodic illness, minor injuries, accidents, and other injuries/illnesses. Performs selected laboratory testing, referrals to physicians as needed, writes prescriptions, and performs office procedures within the scope of expertise, protocols, and available equipment.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties:
• Screen patients to determine the need for medical attention
• Review patient records to determine health status
• Take a patient history
• Performa a physical examination
• Perform development screening examinations on children
• Record pertinent patient data
• Make decisions regarding data gathering and appropriate management and treatment of patients being seen for the initial evaluation of a problem or the follow-up evaluation of a previously diagnosed and stabilized condition
• Prepare patient summaries
• Initiate requests for commonly performed initial laboratory studies
• Collect specimens for and carry out commonly performed blood, urine, and stool analyses and cultures
• Identify normal and abnormal findings in history, physical examination, and commonly performed laboratory studies
• Initiate appropriate evaluation and emergency management for emergency situations; for example, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, injuries, burns, and hemorrhages
• Perform clinical procedures such as:
o Venipuncture
o Electrocardiogram
o Care and suturing of minor lacerations
o Casting and splinting
o Control of external hemorrhage
o Application of dressings and bandages
o Removal of superficial foreign bodies
o Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
o Audiometry screening
o Visual screening
o Carry out aseptic and isolation techniques
• Provide counseling and instruction regarding common patient problems; and
• Execute documents at the direction of and for the supervising physician
• Prepare patient discharge summaries if physician assistant has been directly involved in patient care
• Assist in surgical procedures
• May assist the physician under direct supervision in a manner by which to learn and become proficient in new procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:
• He/she participates in other assigned duties as designated by the Director of Medical Operations.
• Also, perform tasks supportive of the job's essential functions, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
Patient Satisfaction:
• Assist patients, family members, or other clients with concern and empathy; respect their confidentiality and privacy; and communicate with them in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Answer and refer telephone calls or other inquires to ensure accurate and timely communications are facilitated.
• Identify yourself in a pleasant and positive manner.
• Take responsibility for helping the caller.

Teamwork:
• Assist in the orientation/training of new Team Members.
• Consistently work in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members.
• Assist other Team Members in the performance of their assignments.
• Seek out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked.
• Consider the impact of your actions on Team Members throughout the Organization.
• Recognize the need for variations in staffing and volunteer to fill open shifts when possible.
• Take direction and initiate actions (cross/additional training) that will allow the assumption of cross-functional duties to ensure seamless patient care.
• Demonstrate flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within the System.

Problem Solving:
• Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Investigate and follow through on unusual orders or requests for service or information.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow-up and/or prevention can occur.
• Record/report the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and remove any faulty equipment from service.
• Consistently evaluate work and determine if further steps are needed to meet patient expectations.
• Take the initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Productivity/ Efficiency:
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary.
• Minimize non-productive time and fill slow periods with activities that will enable you to prepare to meet the System's future needs (education, organizing, housekeeping, assisting others).
• Organize job functions and work areas to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames.
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision.

Adherence to Departmental Policies:
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and the ability to reference them from appropriate books and manuals.
• Comply with infection control policies and procedures, including OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, to ensure a safe working environment for self and others.

Great Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Extended Sick Pay (ESP)

• Medical Health Insurance and Prescription Coverage

• Basic Life Insurance for Employee and Family

• Short-Term Disability

• Long-Term Disability

• 401(k) Voluntary Contribution Plan

• Health Reimbursement Account

• Continuing Medical Education

• Employee Elected Voluntary Coverage for Employee and Family

• Life Insurance, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Spending Account

• Discounted undergraduate & graduate rates at West Virginia Wesleyan College for employee and family

Physical Demands/Working Environment (based on essential functions):
• Able to lift 100 pounds, if necessary, to assist fallen patients. Able to lift 10 pounds for routine performance of essential functions.
• Mobility and visual manual dexterity. Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning patients.
• An individual in this position may be exposed to:
o Adverse indoor and outdoor environmental conditions
o Bloodborne pathogens
o Physical hazards (e.g., needle pricks, etc.)
o Chemical hazards.

Qualifications/Requirements/Skills:
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executive management, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, support staff, other departments, and patients/families.
• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/challenging priorities.
• Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities are required as related to various aspects of patient care.
• Good clinical judgment
• Critical thinking skills are necessary to exercise and lead others in applying acceptable standards of practice.

Education/Training/Experience:
• Successful completion of an approved physician assistant program.
• Currently approved by The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
• Must be currently licensed as a physician assistant in the state.