Physician Assistant I - Spine Surgeon

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs delegated functions under physician supervision, such as differential diagnosis, use of prescriptive authority, and treatment according to practice guidelines, protocols, and/or standing orders in clinical and surgical settings. Accepts accountability for the outcomes of decisions made related to patient care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Hospital/Operating Room Setting:
  • Uses critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to work autonomously as defined by the Board of Physician Assistants.
  • Collaborates with healthcare team members to manage/coordinate patient care.
  • Demonstrates leadership as a clinical resource, interdisciplinary consult and patient advocate.
  • Maintains knowledge of procedures and drapes appropriately, drapes independently with scrub tech.
  • Demonstrates competent first assisting, uses correct instruments, retracts to provide exposure, anticipates surgeon’s needs and follows case flow.
  • Demonstrates competent suturing technique, chooses correct suture, identifies correct layers, and achieves cosmetically appealing result.
  • Participates in post-operative assessments and assists in preparing orders.
  • Absists in the completion and dictation of discharge summaries.
  • Participates in hospital rounds with physicians and conducts peri-operative patient education as needed.
  • Educates patient and families as appropriate and provides continuity of care.
  • Responds to emergencies including use of CPR.
• Clinical Setting:
  • Provides acute and chronic patient care including taking histories, completing physical exam, monitoring therapies, administering injections and medications.
  • Demonstrates competent diagnostic ability and comprehensive knowledge of general orthopedics.
  • Interacts with patients to ensure patients understanding, including counseling and answering patient questions appropriately.
  • Orders appropriate tests, interprets x-rays and other tests knowledgeably.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of and competently administers injections, fit an application of related DME, application of casts and splints, remove sutures/staples, and related wound care.
  • Consults with and refers patients to physicians appropriately.
  • Uses practice management and chart systems as needed to access and enter documentation of care provided in patient record.
  • Performs duties which expedite the function of the office and enhance patient care appropriate to scope of practice and approval of supervising physician.
  • Maintains statistical information as needed.
• On Call:
  • Rotates call coverage during designated physician absences to provide the following:
  • Promptly return calls.
  • Demonstrates appropriate decision making regarding patient care.
  • Arrives for hospital rounds on time and performs work efficiently and completely.
  • Reviews complex patient care issues and rounds list with covering physician.
• TEAMWORK:
  • Willingly provides coverage, volunteers assistance, and maintains workflows within department as needed without direct instruction/supervision.
  • Works cooperatively and refrains from participating in negative conversations.
  • Shares knowledge and insights with co-workers in a constructive manner.
  • Works to solve problems and address conflicts with appropriate person directly before involving leadership or uninvolved peers.
  • Is considerate of others in the work environment with regard to taking breaks or meal periods, use of computer and phone, noise level in the department, etc.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURESP

• Policies and Procedures:
  • Knows and complies with policies and procedures as enumerated in the Orthopedic One Employee Handbook and policies and procedures documents.
  • Provides assistance and support to leadership in implementing policies and procedures as necessary.
  • Actively participates in training, and conducting day to day work activity by adhering to all policies and procedures as enumerated in compliance and risk management programs.