PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

Cook County, IL•Chicago, IL

39d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA), in collaboration with a Surgery Physician, provides exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population and provides support to other divisions of surgery as needed. The PA in Surgery 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. The PA communicates with patients and families regarding education for wound care, diet and exercise. The PA orders necessary supplies for the procedures, performs outpatient procedures including but not limited to casting, splinting, mole removal and punch biopsies. The PA demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery. Performs all duties with the legal guidelines of the Physician Assistant Practice Act and Cook County Health policies.

Requirements

Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program
Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment
Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment
Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment
Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment
Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
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
Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
Demonstrate 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
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high quality patient care for surgery patients
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
Performs 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
Performs primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic
Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated
Assesses, diagnoses and treats adult patients
Provides and manages direct patient care
Conducts patient's health needs assessments
Obtains comprehensive history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis
Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.
Informs and effectively 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
Assists in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery
Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes
Performs pain management and understands when to administer appropriate techniques and methods in Anesthesia, Advanced Wound Management, Diagnostic/Therapeutic procedures Diagnostic Radiology Interpretation, Operative/Perioperative Care