Physician Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Medical Director and Clinic Manager, the Physician’s Assistant is responsible for providing direct patient care in the clinic setting under the supervision of a physician.

This position description is intended to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. modoc medical center reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, at MODOC MEDICAL CENTER’S sole and absolute discretion.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Competencies:

1. Professional behavior is demonstrated always, both when on duty and as a representative of the hospital outside of normal work hours.
2. Produces deliverable products on time, within budget with minimal direction.
3. A positive working relationship with patients, visitors, and facility staff is demonstrated. Respectful to managers and supervisors.
4. Organizational ability and time management is demonstrated.

Specific Competencies:

1. Demonstrates the ability to perform physical exams on all patients, neonate through the geriatric population.
2. Basic computer knowledge.
3. Obtains and documents patient’s medical history.
4. Performs and/or orders diagnostic and therapeutic procedures/tests.
5. Explains all test/procedures to patient/family including any pre-testing requirements.
6. Interprets subjective and objective data to formulate a diagnosis.
7. Interprets laboratory and diagnostic test results.
8. Formulates diagnoses and treats illnesses within scope of practice.
9. Formulates patient treatment plans within the PA’s scope of practice.
10. Implements therapeutic interventions within appropriate within scope of practice.
11. Assists in the management of acutely traumatized patients and cares for minor injuries.
12. Provides counseling/education for patients and families on preventative healthcare.
13. Assesses and documents patient and/or family psychosocial issues.
14. Always defers to the physician with difficult cases or when a case is out of the scope of practice for a PA.
15. Orders, prescribes, dispenses and administers drugs and medical devices within scope of practice.
16. Able to manage patients on ventilators; endotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes; performs venipuncture, venous cut down, inserts central venous lines, arterial punctures; administers parenteral fluids, blood/blood products; performs wound care, suturing, cast application and removal; performs lumbar punctures and other procedures.  
17. Able to perform minor surgical procedures.
18. Writes progress notes and discharge summaries.
19. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
20. Communicates appropriately and clearly to supervising physician, nurses, and clinic staff.
21. Maintains a good working relationship within the clinic.
22. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
23. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
24. Participates in clinic research studies when appropriate.
25. Attends all clinic and medical staff meetings as appropriate to the clinic’s rules and regulations. 

Professional Requirements:

1. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and professional.
2. Completes annual education requirements if applicable.
3. Maintains regulatory requirements.
4. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
5. Wears identification while on duty.
6. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
7. Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.
8. Attends all meetings as appropriate.
9. Exhibits the mission, ethics and goals of Modoc Medical Center in the performance of job duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours when necessary.
2. Is involved with personnel, visitors, and government agencies, etc., when necessary.
3. Must function independently, have personal integrity, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with other personnel, clients and support agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, walks and moves intermittently during working hours.
2. Able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences, etc.
2. Graduate of an accredited Physician’s Assistant Program.
3. NCCPA certified.
4. Licensed in the state of California as a Physician’s Assistant.
5. Registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) if applicable.
6. Able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. 
7. Current BLS certification.
8. Must complete 100 hours of CME every two (2) years and take the recertification exam every ten (10) years.
9. Must be supervised by a physician.
10. Scope of practice is related directly to the PA’s supervising physician and individual state laws.