Physician Assistant-Clinic

SUMMARY: Provides medical functions delegated by a supervising physician or alternate physician[s]) that are within the education, training, experience and legal scope of practice of physician assistant. Respects the health, safety, welfare and dignity of individuals of all ages with an ethical obligation to see that each individual receives appropriate care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functions within the scope of privileges as granted by the medical staff and governing body.
• Function as a part of the medical team in both the rural health clinic and the hospital/ED setting; work closely with medical providers and abide by all plans and policies.
• Provides services to nursing home patients, as requested.
• Work closely with the health care team informing them of patient related issues and the coordination and resolution of those issues.
• Ensure compliance with (1) the Texas Medical Board standards of practice, rules and regulations applicable to the physician assistant, (2) the Physician Assistant Collaborative Practice Policy/Agreement and (3) delination of privileges as recommended by the medical staff and approved by the governing board.
• Carry out delegated medical functions, including but not limited to: performing history and physicial examinations, ordering or performing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, formulating a working diagnosis, developing and implementing a treatment plan, prescribing/ordering medications, monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, counseling and educating the patient, making referrals, requesting consultations and promoting health including preventive services.
• Assist with admissions/management and discharges of hospitalized patients in conjuction with the attending physician.
• Provide 24 hour call in ER/hospital, as assigned and/or scheduled.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency and uniformity of data recorded on the patient’s medical records.
• Maintain positive and effective working relationships with patients, patient families/significant others, nursing and allied health staff, medical staff, clinic manager and other hospital departments.
• Represents hospital and clinics to the community in a positive manner.
• Work closely with Administrator regarding employment issues.
• Abide by medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations in addition to standard operating policies and procedures of both the Rural Health Clinic and Hospital.
• Responsible for the implementation of and compliance with all safety policies and procedures within the department.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned requested and/or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Competent in medical skills and use of medical equipment.
• Knowledgeable in the implementation of patient care standards.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality in communications.
• Actively pursue knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
• Compliant with applicable licensure and certification requirements, federal and state statutes and rules.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Member of the allied health staff as recommended by the medical staff and granted by the governing board.
• Current licensure as a physician assistant in Texas.
• Current DPS certificate.
• Current DEA certificate.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Successful completion of an accredited program of Physician Assistant studies.
• Master’s Degree or higher preferred.
• Be licensed in good standing with Texas Physician Assistant Board (TPAB) and eligible to hold and execute a prescriptive authority agreement.
• Current certification with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), preferred.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate, desired.
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), desired.
• Current PALS certificate, desired.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate
• An average of 9 hours of trauma-related medical education per year (note this is a requirement in the proposed trauma IV criteria, Texas – it is NOT currently required).
• Certification of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Emergency Medicine recommended but not required.
• 2 to 4 years experience in family medicine, acute (urgent) care, or emergency medicine preferred.

LANGUAGE/READING SKILLS:

• Communicate verbally and in writing in English.
• Experience with computerized medical records systems and charting preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Competent in dosage calculations.
• Basic statistical concepts.

REASONING ABILITY: Responds to unusual or varied situations that are not covered by existing standards, procedures and precedents. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, ascend and descend stairs, possess ability to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. 

Frequently be able to lift 25 pounds from the floor to waist level and may occasionally be required to assist moving adult patients. Specific visual abilities include close vision and the ability to focus clearly. Specific auditory abilities include using the stethoscope for body sounds to include breath, heart, bowel, and Korotkoff sounds.