PA-Orthopedics-3

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB Receiving general direction from the Medical Director - Surgical Services, Chairman - Orthopedic Services, Executive Director - APC’s, Lead Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Executive Director – Musculoskeletal Service Line, the Physician Assistant will assess, diagnose and treat health problems of patients who suffer from a range of musculoskeletal conditions from time of admission to discharge. Patients include but are not limited to adult and pediatric inpatient trauma, joint replacement, Fragile Fracture Program patients and General Orthopedic patients. As a highly skilled clinician, the incumbent will participate with other members of the Orthopedic and Hospital Medicine Care Team in the Emergency Department, Orthopedic Inpatient Unit(s) and serve as first assist in the Operating Room. CONTACTS AND COMPETENCIES Category C – Competency in this position depends upon the patient population as the position does provide patient care and/or services. This position requires knowledge of disease processes or diagnosis. Examples: Nurses, Clinical Managers, Pharmacists, Education Positions, Imaging Positions, CNSs & ACCs, Clinical Dieticians and Respiratory Therapists. DOES THIS POSITION HAVE PATIENT CONTACT? Yes Age of Patient(s) – Neonates 1‑30 days; Adolescents 13‑18 yrs; Infants 30 days‑1 yr; Children 1‑12 yrs; Adults 19‑70 yrs; Geriatrics 70+ yrs. JOB REQUIREMENTS Minimum Education – Preferred Bachelor’s degree Completion of an accredited Advanced Physician Assistant training program approved by the AMA. Recertification, as required, to maintain licensure. Minimum Work Experience Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred. Required Licenses / Registrations PA – Physician Assistant. Required Classes/Skills ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Required Additional Knowledge, and Abilities Ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions who may also have any range of medical problems. Maturity, self‑confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending physician. Eligibility for state and federally controlled substances registration. Proficiency in providing care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage time and priorities effectively. Skills to work efficiently and effectively and to strive for improvement in all aspects of the position. Knowledge and competence of basic radiation safety during fluoroscopic procedures; required to attend at least one radiation safety training session per year. Broad knowledge of medical environment, surgical practices, and performance goals of the orthopedic services. Highest degree of professional judgement under the direction of a licensed physician. Working Conditions Position hours: Typically Monday through Friday with potential for rotating weekend days. Additional weekend and holiday coverage as determined based on departmental needs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Clinical Responsibilities Provides direct care to orthopedic patients in collaboration with the Orthopedic Attending Physician. The duties and responsibilities of the Orthopedic Physician Assistant in inpatient care include, but are not limited to: Obtains a detailed and accurate medical history and performs a comprehensive physical exam for patients admitted for elective, non‑elective and trauma orthopedic procedures. Implementation of all Orthopedic Surgery care plans including writing orders, transfer orders, wound care, dressing changes, application of casts/splints, and fracture reductions. Collaborates with hospitalist team on co‑managed patients. Discharge orders and planning, writes discharge orders, dictates formal discharge summary, prescription writing, VNA care plan, etc. Obtains, reviews and interprets radiology and laboratory studies and implements appropriate care plan based on results in accordance with attending physician instructions. Orders necessary diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician. Performs or assists in routine and complex procedures, as necessary. Serves as first or second assistant in the Operating Room, as necessary. Identifies and manages chronic medical conditions and provides continuous care to hospitalized inpatients, proactively managing patients to prevent complications. Familiarity with current guidelines regarding assessment of risk of a perioperative cardiovascular event for pre‑operative patients (such as RCRI, and ACS‑NSQIP) and pre‑operative medical optimization. Writes orders and prescribes medications in accordance with current practice guidelines. Writes complete and comprehensive notes on all patients using appropriate electronic systems consistent with Hospital policy. Facilitates timely care, including scheduling of procedures, for patients in the Geriatric Fracture Program. Actively participates in the South Shore Health System readmission reduction efforts. Collaborates with the patient care team (physicians, nurses, PT/OT, case management) to develop and facilitate care plan. Provides urgent evaluation to patients with changes in clinical status. Safe and effective operation of fluoroscopy equipment; certification within 1 year of hire date. Situations That Require Referral or Consultation Referrals and/or consultations may be obtained by the Orthopedics Physician Assistant when the attending physician deems necessary, and must be obtained for any medical or surgical problem that does not fall within the scope of practice of the supervising physician. Delegation of Supervising Physician Responsibilities The direct supervision of work performed by the Orthopedic Physician Assistant is the responsibility of the supervising physician or their designee (who must be another MD) in accordance with all state and national guidelines. An MD may delegate to the Orthopedic Physician Assistant only duties and responsibilities that fall within the scope of practice of the supervising physician. Orthopedic Physician Assistant will follow all state and national mandates and guidelines as they pertain to the emergency management of patients. Scope of Prescriptive Practice The scope of prescriptive practice will conform to the Massachusetts State Controlled Substance Act, all Department of Public Health, and Massachusetts Board of Registration for Physician Assistants, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and other applicable statutes and regulations. The prescriptive practice of the Orthopedic Physician Assistant will be reviewed by the supervising physician in an ongoing format, at least quarterly. The Orthopedic Physician Assistant may prescribe the following classes of medications: Class II–Class V. Other Responsibilities Actively participates in meetings, including Monthly Orthopedic Staff Meeting and Joint/Geriatric Fracture Program Team Meetings. Participates in continuing education activities to maintain or enhance knowledge and skills. Ensures that patient billing is submitted accurately and consistent with Hospital policy. Other duties and projects as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS General Activity: Frequent standing/walking required. No driving. Motion: Frequent activity required – pushing, pulling, lifting, bending. Motor Skills: Use of hands and feet required. Weight/Force: Light lifting required ( #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co