Physician Assistant

Summary/objective

The Orchard Hospital Medical Specialty Center (MSC) mid-level practitioner is a physician assistant (PA) who practices medicine under the supervision of MSC physicians and/or surgeons. MSC mid-level practitioners provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. Working as members of the MSC healthcare team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, and make diagnoses. MSC mid-level practitioners will also be required to treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting when appropriate. They are responsible for instructing and counseling patients, carrying out therapy, prescribing medications, and making referrals when necessary. MSC mid-level practitioners are expected to document all diagnoses, care, and treatment plans following MSC patient chart format. All patient care is expected to incorporate each individual's religious and cultural needs, as well as ensuring provision of that care is done in a timely manner. MSC mid-level practitioners are expected to provide care within their scope of practice to patients of all ages including: neonatal, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

Pay: $75.00-$90.00

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Practices medicine within his/her scope of practice and the scope of practice of the supervising physician, maintaining strict adherence to federal and state laws;
• Initiates an appropriate assessment of patient's health status, ranging from focused to comprehensive, depending upon the setting (e.g., emergency, structured screening, scheduled visit);
• Obtains patient's health history from interview of patient, and from review of pertinent health records;
• Performs physical examinations;
• Incorporates knowledge of patient's functional and developmental age into patient care activities;
• Orders appropriate diagnostic, screening, and follow-up studies and testing as indicated by the patient's illnesses;
• When necessary, performs diagnostic tests/procedures and therapeutic procedures, within the scope of practice, control of external hemorrhage; application of dressings and bandages; administration of medications; removal of superficial foreign bodies; cardiopulmonary esuscitation; and aseptic and isolation techniques;
• Interprets diagnostic test results for deviations from normal;
• Performs medical procedures including incisions and drainage, wound care, debridement, and suturing of lacerations;
• Applies and removes splints; assist with casts, and traction devices;
• Interprets health information and establishes diagnoses consistent with the accumulated data;
• Formulates treatment plan, ensuring timely provision of necessary health care services;
• Prescribes necessary medications within scope of practice;
• Orders therapeutic equipment and supplies within the scope of practice;
• Utilizes physician consultation or referral for any patient, task, procedure, or diagnostic problem that the mid-level provider determines exceeds his/her level of competence;
• Educates and informs patients regarding the nature of the illness and the progress of evaluation and treatment;
• Educates patients regarding health promotion and disease prevention;
• Analyzes accumulated health information and collects additional observational, interview, historical, physical examination, and diagnostic data, modifying treatment as appropriate;
• Makes health record entries which are accurate, legible, concise, and timely;
• Advocates for the rights of patients;
• Participates in formulating, interpreting, implementing, and
• Attends all medical staff meetings;
• Attends MSC monthly meetings;
• Participates in MSC quality assurance and procedure improvement programs;
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of practice and informs other MSC staff of any changes;
• Maintain awareness of federal, state, legal, and accrediting regulations related to licensure and scope of practice;
• Responsible for knowing and following Orchard Hospital and MSC policies and procedures;
• Attending and completing annual Orchard Hospital staff education and training in a timely manner;
• Becoming familiar with state funded programs that MSC participates in and following program guidelines to ensure compliance (e.g., Family PACT, CHDP, & CDP)
• Practicing OSHA safety standards at all times;
• Listens to voice mail a minimum of once per shift and returns phone calls as appropriate;
• Check Orchard Hospital e-mail a minimum of once each shift and respond appropriately.
• Maintains the strictest confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.

Required education and experience

• Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in medicine or nursing.
• Physician Assistants must be graduates of an accredited college or training program.
• Current license from the State of California.
• Physician Assistants must be licensed in accordance with requirements of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
• Current provider BLS.
• Current driver's license.

Preferred education and experience

• One year experience working as a mid-level practitioner preferred.
• ACLS certification is recommended but not required.