Physician Assistant-OR Assist

Position Purpose

The Physician Assistant (PA) performs the functions of examining, planning and implementing the health care of assigned patients under a licensed physician’s supervision and direction. The PA secures patient histories, performs physical examinations, orders laboratory tests, develops and implements treatment plans, performs diagnostic and treatment procedures, records findings, and provides patient education and counseling to enhance our effectiveness in providing routine therapeutic health care.

Under the supervision of the Women’s Health Division Chief, this position assists with the peri-operative care in a Physician Assistant function.

Nature and Scope

This section should be reviewed and edited if necessary to ensure accuracy to specialty.

The Physician Assistant may perform the following functions in addition to any that may be specifically delineated in the Appendix:

1. Systematically access the health status of patients, with the co-signature of supervising physician(s).

2. Order tests, initiate or perform selected diagnostics or procedures in accordance with existing protocol approved by the appropriate specialty Department and or Section, C&P Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Governors, iv. Device checks

3. May provide assistance to the supervising physician for the following procedures: central venous catheter, thoracentesis, paracentesis and lumbar puncture.

4. May include making and documenting daily inpatient rounds alongside or in conjunction with MD’s documentation.

5. May include initiation of a treatment program for the patient, in conjunction with the supervising MD(s).

6. May include discharging inpatients, including necessary documentation, education and prescriptions.

7. May receive and document verbal orders from the supervising physicians in the medical record. May relay orders from the supervising physicians to individuals authorized to accept orders.

8. Prescribe all medications consistent with D.E.A. privileges and according to the Nevada Boards of Pharmacy and State Board of Medical Examiners.

This position serves a patient population of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, and Geriatric.

This position works with and adapts to the different needs and requests of the management staff, circulating nurse, anesthesiologists, and surgeons.

This position assists the circulating nurse in the set-up and breakdown of equipment required before, during, and after each procedure, and reports any equipment malfunctions to the circulating nurse or Surgical Supervisor. This position sets up (but does not operate) the following equipment: anesthesia machine, monitoring equipment, bovie machine, suctions, craniotomy table, ortho tables, microscopes, tanks, and operating lights, and other related equipment.

It is common to encounter potential hazards in the healthcare environment. Some of these hazards could include, but are not limited to: radiation, toxic chemicals, biological hazards, heat, noise, dust and stress. Renown Health has a Safety Management Program in place that addresses these issues.

SUPERVISION:

1. All entries in the medical record (with the exception of the Discharge Summary) as permitted under Nature and Scope, or in the specific Appendix, must be co-signed by the supervising physician within the next calendar day. The Discharge Summary must be co-signed by the supervising physician in the time frame specified by the Medical Staff Rules and Regulations.

2. Patient rounds made by a PA shall not be considered as fulfilling requirements for Medical Staff member daily patient rounds.

3. The Physician Assistant must at all times comply with the provisions of Nevada Revised Statue and other regulations that set forth the practice of a Physician Assistant in the State of Nevada.

4. The supervising physician(s) is/are responsible for the actions of the Physician Assistant at all times.

The first 20 charts will be reviewed by the Department Chief or his designee for compliance with this Scope of Practice, hospital policies and the community standard of care.

This position does provide patient care.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Adopts a philosophy consistent with the RENOWN HEALTH Purpose Statement and models “Standards of Conduct” Concepts.

2. Effective communication skills – written and verbal.

3. Ability to establish positive working relations with Provider Staff.

4. Work efficiently and cooperatively in a multi-physician/provider office setting.

5. Work as part of a team toward clinic goals.

6. Maintains accurate, legible, and confidential records.

7. Actively participate in quality assurance, peer review programs, and health care outcome evaluations.

8. Direct nursing and/or medical assistant duties consistent with clinic protocols.

9. Ensures the highest quality of care requiring a code of ethical practice, evidence of continuing professional development, and maintenance of clinical skills.

10. Patient advocate through ethical and legal standards.

11. Combines the roles of provider, mentor, educator, researcher, manager, and consultant, as applicable

12. Interprets the role of the Physician Assistant to individuals, families, and other professionals.

13. Works efficiently, cooperatively, and autonomously in long-term and acute care facilities, as applicable

14. The Physician Assistant shall at all times comply with the provisions of NRS 630 and Regulations of the Nevada State Board of Medicine

15. The Supervising physician is responsible for the action of the Physician Assistant at all times.

16. Will attain sufficient knowledge in the specialty and assure appropriate on-going education, such as knowledge of all core educational programs, as applicable.

17. Attend and participate in RIHVH and Renown Health meetings consistently.

Disclaimer

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements – Required and/or Preferred

Name

Description

Education:

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing and speaking English. Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program is required. Baccalaureate Degree, preferred.

Experience:

Two years’ experience as physician assistant, preferred.

License(s):

Ability to obtain and maintain a State of Nevada Physician’s Assistant license.

Controlled substance License to Prescribe issued by the State of Nevada and Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued by the DEA, required.

Certification(s):

NCCPA Board Certification issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) required at time of hire. Current and valid BLS add others if required issued by The American Heart Association required.

Computer / Typing:

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word and have the ability to use the computer to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.

Ability to credential through Renown’s Medical Staff and/or payor credentialing, as applicable.

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