PA-Orthopedic Trauma Program-1

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 position 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

Please select the Contacts and Competency category that best describes this Position: Category C

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education – Preferred Bachelor’s degree Completion of Advanced Physician Assistant training program from an accredited institution 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

Essential Functions

• Provides direct care to orthopedic patients in collaboration with the Orthopedic Attending Physician.

• Duties and responsibilities of the Orthopedic Physician Assistant involved in in-patient care will 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, dictate formal discharge summary, prescription writing, VNA care plan, etc.
  • Obtain, review and interpret radiology and laboratory studies and implement appropriate care plan based on the results in accordance with attending physician instructions.
  • Orders necessary diagnostic ss, 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 assist in the Operating Room, as necessary.
  • Identifies and manages chronic medical conditions and provides continuous care to hospitalized inpatients. Proactively manage patient to prevent complications.
  • 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.
  • Safely and effectively operate fluoroscopy equipment; certification within 1 year of hire date.
  • Situation that require referral or consultation may be obtained by the Orthopedics Physician Assistant when the attending physician deems necessary, and need to 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 his/her designee (who must be another MD) in accordance with all state and national guidelines.
  • The Orthopedic Physician Assistant may prescribe the following classes of medications: Class II-Class V.

• Physical Requirements Indicate the appropriate physical requirements of this job in the course of a shift. Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

  • General Activity - Frequent Standing/Walking Required, No Driving Motion - Frequent Activity Required-pushing, pulling, lifting, bending Motor Skills - Use of hands required, Use of feet required Weight/Force - Light lifting required (

• Responsibilities If Required Education if Required: License/Registration/Certification Requirements ACLS (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification - American Heart Association (AHA) (Including courses offered through SSH), Physician Assistant - Board of Registration of Physician Assistants (Massachusetts)