Physician Assistant (PA)

This position is for a future opening at our Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Kingston, New York.

About the Role

The Physician Assistant provides professional clinical services under the direction of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Primary Care Provider (PCP). As an Advanced Practice Generalist, the PA delivers a wide range of health services, including urgent and emergent evaluation of episodic and chronic problems, as well as comprehensive, integrated primary health care addressing most of the client's ongoing health care needs.

The role involves assessment, treatment, and evaluation of a broad spectrum of health care issues, emergency measures, preventive health, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, and patient/family education. The PA acts as a client advocate, role model, and mentor to other PAs, and participates in local and state-level professional activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary and preventive medical care to meet patients' physical, mental, and emotional needs within the scope of practice established by nationally recognized credentialing organizations.
• Function within the scope of the state Physician Assistant Practice Act, Joint Commission standards, VA Medical Center guidelines, and other regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and extended support staff through daily huddles.
• Emphasize wellness, prevention, and early detection in patient care.
• Supervise support staff in delivering patient care while maintaining universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Ensure timely patient flow in accordance with VA access standards and triage protocols.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and assist during respiratory and cardiac arrest procedures.
• Investigate health problems by gathering and assessing historical information and performing physical examinations tailored to patient history.
• Diagnose health problems based on patient history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results.
• Develop and implement tailored treatment plans, including health education, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic treatments.
• Prescribe medications as appropriate and evaluate treatment results, modifying plans as needed.
• Make referrals for specialty evaluation or treatment and coordinate health care services for primary care patients.
• Operate therapeutic and emergency equipment, including monitors, EKG machines, oxygen, AEDs, and portable suction devices.
• Obtain and record patient histories and physical examination findings according to VA standards.
• Order diagnostic tests based on patient complaints, physical findings, and symptoms.
• Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacology, prescribing and administering medications within state and federal regulations.
• Recommend and follow up on laboratory tests and specialized diagnostic procedures.
• Document all patient information in medical records and VISTA to ensure quality care and continuity.
• Maintain the VISTA clinic reminder tracking system and close patient charts within 24-72 hours of encounter.
• Assist in scheduling patient appointments in accordance with VA access standards and medical necessity.
• Keep patients informed of their plan of care, including lab and diagnostic test results.
• Provide health education materials and resources to patients and families based on their needs and learning capacity.
• Assist the Registered Nurse in ensuring complete and accurate electronic encounter documentation.
• Comply with all federal, state, local, Joint Commission, OSHA, VA, and subcontractor safety and operational regulations.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement Program, including peer reviews.
• Complete all required reports and clinical information accurately and on time.
• Participate in staff development programs and maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Aid in the management and coordination of the CBOC's day-to-day activities.
• Perform other clinical duties as assigned within the limits of privileges.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years of clinical experience as a PA in outpatient care in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine; 3-5 years is preferred.
• Current and unrestricted DEA License (must obtain and maintain a Scope of Practice/Collaborative Agreement with a state-licensed physician prior to delivering care).
• Current and unrestricted New York state license, complying with all state requirements and regulations.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or Military Training Network (MTN).
• Prescriptive authority in accordance with state rules and regulations.
• Ability to set measurable education goals for patients, considering their needs, understanding, and available resources.
• Experience in developing and providing individualized and group counseling, guidance, and health instruction focused on disease prevention and health maintenance.
• Experience with safe opioid prescribing practices for chronic pain management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software and strong computer skills.
• Exceptional diplomatic communication skills and experience handling difficult customer situations.
• Detail-oriented with strong multitasking abilities.

Qualifications

Must meet one of the following educational criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a PA training program certified by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA); or
• Graduation from a CAHEA-certified PA training program of at least 12 months duration and a Bachelor’s degree in a health care occupation or health-related science; or
• Graduation from a CAHEA-certified PA training program of at least 12 months duration and a period of progressively responsible health care experience (e.g., independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician). The combined duration of academic training and health care experience must total at least five years.

Must maintain full and current certification as a Physician Assistant from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Working Conditions

• Moderate physical activity, including handling objects up to 25 pounds and standing/walking for more than four hours per day.
• Work is typically performed in an interior/office environment.
• Required to respond to medical emergencies within the clinic, which may involve fast movement or running.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401k with company match.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.