Physician Assistant

About the role

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Responsibilities

• Counsels with pharmacy technician for optimal drugs and dosages and to prevent drug interactions.
• Conducts physical exams for all age groups to include health histories, labs, and other tests as appropriate with a focus on prevention.
• Diagnoses and treats injuries and illnesses, both chronic and severe.
• Ensures adherence to safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Implements emergency lifesaving procedures in cases such as cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, massive hemorrhage, or similar emergencies.
• Maintains medication log for in/out and distribution.
• Maintains quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Makes administrative and procedural decisions.
• Participates in immunization clinics, well child clinics, diabetes screenings, and health promotion.
• Presents health education to patients and families; may train and supervise medical residents engaged in specific clinical activities.
• Prescribes medications and maintains medication log for in/out and distribution.
• Provides counseling to parents and/or children, focusing on preventive health care.
• Provides health education to patients and families; may train and supervise medical residents engaged in specific clinical activities.
• Provides patient care and support staff within the clinic.
• Receives and schedules patients for appointments.
• Schedules and coordinates activities of patient care and support staff within the clinic.
• Supervises and/or coordinates the activities of patient care and support staff within the clinic.
• Trains and supervises assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Uses medical equipment, office machines, and personal computers for word-processing and data entry.
• Works with managers, providers, support staff, and FCCH partners.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program;
• Previous experience in underserved community health programs;
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- State of New Mexico Certified Physician's Assistant or certification pending, as documented by temporary certificate;
- NM Board of Medical Examiners Licensure;
- NM State Board of Pharmacy (DEA);
- CPR Certified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Knowledge of primary care principles and practices.
- Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
- Ability to perform medical examinations using standard medical procedures.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Knowledge of drugs and their indications, contraindications, dosing, side effects, and proper administration.
- Knowledge of CPR and emergency medical procedures.
- Ability to clearly communicate medical information to professional practitioners and/or the general public.
- Knowledge of JCAHO and related accreditation and certification requirements.
- Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
- Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions.
- Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
- Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
- Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
- Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
- Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of disease and to provide instruction on proper care and treatment.

Age of Patients Served
- Neonates, infants, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS
- A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands.
- There are opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.
- Physical Effort and Dexterity: Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
- Machines, Tools, Equipment: Capable of using medical equipment, office machines and personal computers for word-processing and data entry.
- Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read results of medical tests and computer monitor and outputs accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
- Environment/Working Conditions: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Work is inside a clinic in a controlled environment at multiple health centers working with managers, providers, support staff, and FCCH partners. Normal office and clinic safety precautions and practices are required. Position requires travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to attend meetings and conferences, and meet deadlines.