PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

About the role

The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses, and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high quality patient care for surgery patients. The PA evaluates patients and develops assessment plans, places orders, and develops treatment plans in the outpatient surgery clinics. The PA completes the preoperative assessment, assists the Surgery Attending in surgery, and follows the patient post-operatively.

Responsibilities

• Provides independent preoperative physical assessment, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of surgery indications.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to consult with a physician.
• Completes diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated; performs simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, management of wounds, incision and drainage, suture and staple placement and removal, aspirations and injections.
• Completes primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic.
• Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated.
• Affirms and communicates patient test results and/or diagnosis.
• Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable.
• Aids in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery.
• Demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery.

Requirements

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program is required.
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record.
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills.
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups.
• Strong customer service and empathy skills.
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills.
• Demonstrates good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times.
• Demonstrates analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices.
• To function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• See and hear clearly (including with correction).
• Tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature.

Skills

• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and empathy skills.
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills.
• Demonstrates good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times.
• Demonstrates analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills.
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices.
• To function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• See and hear clearly (including with correction).
• Tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• Basic Term Life Insurance.
• Pension Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time.
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).