Physician Assistant II

Physician Assistant Job

Under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician, provides patient care for UMMS. Performs professional duties and technical procedures of the particular area of specialty to provide health care services, such as, operative procedures, suturing, and injections. Makes initial diagnosis and orders appropriate tests and treatment. Assists in surgery where applicable.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Daily clinical responsibilities include:

• Regularly visits pre- and post-operative patients, independently or with attending physician and/or students, to monitor patient progress in accordance with Medical System policies and procedures and generally accepted professional practice and The Joint Commission standards.
• Rounds on inpatients to monitor patient progress in accordance with policies and procedures; relays any problems or concerns to physician. Writes progress notes in-patient charts indicating patient status and treatment or procedures performed.
• Orders laboratory tests, x-rays and special tests and dressing changes.
• Reviews patient records to determine health status.
• Notifies attending physician on call, house physician on call or supervising physician (or surgeon) regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.
• Writes orders, including those of narcotics, stimulants and depressant drugs as necessary.
• Assists in the preoperative planning and documentation in keeping with protocols. Duties include obtaining necessary clinical photography, measurement and construction of frame prior to surgery. Collects bone measurement data and records for future reference and research purposes.

Interviews patients for health history and performs physical examinations. Obtains thorough medical histories to include allergies, past medical conditions, current meds review of systems, family history, social history, present illness and performing complete physical examinations of patients according to established procedures and schedules.

Answers patient calls promptly; researches, investigates and resolves patient problems to the satisfaction of the patient and the physician. Alerts the appropriate medial personnel regarding patient problems as needed.

May take call during non-routine working hours to assist attending physicians in urgent and emergency procedures.

Performs clinical procedures such as the application of dressings and bandages, casting and splinting, removal and adjustment of frames, suturing, and administration of medications. Performs these tasks independently, using universal precautions and following prescribed protocols of the hospital.

First and second assistance during surgery requires: prepping and draping patients, placing foley catheter, giving pre and post operative health care instruction to the patient, and transporting the patient from the O.R. to the PACU.

Demonstrates competent skill as an advanced practice provider in the field of specialty

• Demonstrates competency in clinical assessment and decision-making including diagnostic reasoning and problem solving.
• Participates in development of evidence based practices for a specific population.
• Serves as interdisciplinary team leader or committee chair that leads initiatives to improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrates ethical decision-making incorporating other healthcare team members as appropriate.
• Uses evidence based interventions and best practice guidelines in planning patient care.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives in area of practice.
• Provides safe patient care through compliance with National Patient Safety Goals (NGSG).

Participates in formal and informal educational programs for medical paramedical personnel.

Promotes understanding of disease processes in area of specialty/program.

Precepts or mentors PA/APN students.

Participates in educational strategies that help PA/APNs improve clinical outcomes.

Participates in the development of four of the following:

• Staff development
• Health related community service activity
• Orientation of new employees
• Orientation of house staff who rotate through the clinical area
• Other

Participates in quality improvement initiatives in area of practice.

Serves as interdisciplinary team member or committee member focused on improving patient outcomes, safety, quality or cost effectiveness.

Participates in development of evidence based practices for a specific population.

Actively participates and contributes to various department and division meetings and organizational initiatives.

Maintains compliance and regulatory documentation for administrative purposes and reimbursement for services.

Participates in accreditation readiness.

Customer Service

Models and upholds a customer service focus to all internal and external customers.

Demonstrates respect for all people in the work environment.

Ensures confidentiality of patient information.

Professional Development and Organizational Leadership

Pursues educational opportunities for professional growth (i.e. CEUs, conferences).

Promotes the organization to all customers. Acts as a loyal and supportive informed spokesperson for the hospital.

Serves as APN/PA Council or Privileging Committee member or member on another shared governance council.

Participates on a professional organization or PAC.

Participates in shared governance in specialty.

Serves as an advisor to a committee or work group in work area.

Speaks out on local, regional, national, international policy issues.

Research Responsibilities

Supports and participates in research, patient safety and quality initiatives.

Attends and participates at journal club or other departmental collaborative learning opportunities.

Attends regional and/or national evidence based conference or attends a course from an accredited University.

Applies knowledge gained through interpretation of research articles to clinical practice.

Participates in research, QI, or EBP development in two of the following:

Education and Experience

Graduation from a Master's Degree Physician Assistant Training Program approved by the Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required. Evidence of current certification as a Physician's Assistant by the Maryland Board of Physician Quality Assurance.

Certification or eligibility for certification by National Commission for Certifying Physician's Assistants is required.

Registration by Maryland State Board for Medical Examiners as a Physician's Assistant is required.

Copy of a letter of agreement approved by Board of Physician Quality Assurance is required.

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is required.

ACLS/PALS as required

A minimum of one (1) year experience as a Physician Assistant required.

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Highly effective verbal and written skills are required to work with all levels of hospital personnel, administrators and clinical staff. Demonstrated/documented effective interpersonal skills.

Ability to work in a team atmosphere and maximize efficient system operations.

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.

Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

University of Maryland Medical Center