PA-Orthopedic Trauma Program-2

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.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose and treat patients following written guidelines approved by the Department of Orthopedics.
• Acquire a detailed and accurate medical history and perform a comprehensive physical exam for patients admitted for elective, non-elective and trauma orthopedic procedures.
• Implement all Orthopedic Surgery care plans including writing orders, transfer orders, wound care, dressing changes, application of casts/splints, and fracture reductions.
• Collaborate with hospitalist team on co-managed patients, discharge orders and planning, write 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.
• Order necessary diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as indicated or requested by the attending physician.
• Perform or assist in routine and complex procedures, as necessary.
• Serve as first or second assist in the Operating Room, as necessary.
• Identify and manage chronic medical conditions and provide continuous care to hospitalized inpatients.
• Proactively manage patient to prevent complications.
• Has familiarity with current guidelines regarding the assessment of the risk of a perioperative cardiovascular event for pre-operative patients (such as RCRI, and ACS-NSQIP) and pre-operative medical optimization.
• Write orders and prescribe medications in accordance with current practice guidelines.
• Write complete and comprehensive notes on all patients using appropriate electronic systems consistent with Hospital policy.
• Facilitate timely care, including scheduling of procedures, for patients in the Geriatric Fracture Program.
• Actively participate in the South Shore Health System readmission reduction efforts.
• Collaborate with the patient care team (physicians, nurses, PT/OT, case management) to develop and facilitate care plan.
• Provide urgent evaluation to patients with changes in clinical status.
• Safe and effective operation of fluoroscopy equipment; certification within 1 year of hire date.
• Situation that requires 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 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.

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.

Qualifications

• Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred.
• PA - Physician Assistant Required.
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Required.

Skills

• Possess the ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions who may also have any range of medical problems.
• Possess the maturity, self-confidence, and ability to follow complex patient management plans as directed by the attending physician.
• Eligible for state and federally controlled substances registration.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit.
• Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to organize time and priorities effectively, asking for direction when appropriate.
• Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.
• Quality Improvement: Skills to work efficiently and effectively and strive to do so 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.
• Must have broad knowledge of medical environment, surgical practices and performance goals of the orthopedic Services.
• Must exercise the highest degree of professional judgement under the direction and guidance of a licensed physician.
• Must be able to accept instruction and guidance and assume graded responsibility in complex teamwork.
• Must be able to administer such care and treatment and exercise such independent originality in solving problems not covered by existing guidelines, within legal limits, to meet the needs of the patients.
• Maintain a professional attitude toward patients at all times and an excellent and collegial working relationship with other personnel involved in patient care.

Physical Requirements

• 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 (

Working Conditions

• Position Hours: Typically Monday through Friday with potential for rotating weekend days. Additional Weekend and Holiday coverage as determined based on the needs of the department.