Physician Assistant - UPMC Altoona Stroke & Neurointervention

UPMC•Altoona, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

University of Pittsburgh Physicians is hiring a Full-Time Physician Assistant to help support Altoona Stroke & Neurointervention. This role involves treating ICU and surgical patients, attending emergent Stroke codes, and managing floor patients. The Physician Assistant will be responsible for responding to stroke codes during daytime hours to provide emergent care for suspected stroke patients. They will be trained to read neuro imaging (CTs, MRIs) and interpret lab work. The initial training period will consist of five 8-hour shifts, transitioning to three 12-hour shifts. The stroke team includes 4 physicians, with 2 specializing in neurointerventional procedures like intracranial clot removal.

Requirements

A graduate of a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the physician assistant (ARC-PA) is required.
Current state PA license certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is required.
Current CPR certification is required.
Act 34 Clearance required.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.
Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment.
Handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.
Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care.
Good clinical judgment.
Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and lead others in application of acceptable standards of practice.
Mobility and visual manual dexterity.
Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.
This position is dependent upon successful attainment and maintenance of hospital privileges, if applicable to the Business Unit practice.

Nice To Haves

BS or MS candidate is preferred.
Experience as a physician assistant and/or experience in a clinical setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Treating ICU and surgical patients.
Attending emergent Stroke codes and floor patients.
Responding to stroke codes during daytime hours to provide emergent care for suspected stroke patients.
Reading neuro imaging including CT’s, MRI’s, and interpreting necessary lab works.
Applies basic professional practice knowledge and skills appropriate for practice setting.
Communicates effectively, both verbally and in documentation.
Demonstrates critical thinking in all areas of professional practice.
Learns to incorporate acceptable standards of professional practice as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction.
Formulates a plan of care that considers individual patient needs.
Demonstrates initiative and seeks formal and informal opportunities to improve clinical practice.
Seeks guidance and asks questions to continuously improve professional practice.
Builds relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
Identifies ethical situations within patient care or within the workplace and seeks assistance.
Professionally accepts assignments that gradually increase patient load and complexity.
Actively engages in clinical development of all members of the healthcare team.
Requests opportunities to learn advanced professional practice techniques from senior healthcare team members.
Seeks, accepts, and utilizes performance feedback from peers, preceptors, and unit/department Leaders as a learning opportunity and to improve practice.
Demonstrates enthusiasm for continuous learning and identifies and creates a plan for the continuation of learning and development.
Identifies patient and family needs for education and provides basic education to support the episode of care.
Seeks professional development and involvement through membership in a professional organization and/or reading professional literature on a regular basis.
Demonstrates a basic knowledge of research, how it affects practice and who/what resources are available to assist with evidence-based practice by asking questions, demonstrating interest, participating in journal clubs.
Clinical practice demonstrates knowledge of how quality and innovation impacts patient satisfaction, safety, and clinical quality outcomes.
Identifies opportunities for improvement in the clinical area.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all members of the health care team.
Begins to demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity, horizontal violence, and impairment in the health professions.
Cares for patients and self by supporting safety in the workplace.
Demonstrates accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care.
Makes recommendations for the improvement of clinical care and the health of the workplace and welcomes and participates in change initiatives.
Leads by investing and building healthy relationships among colleagues and other disciplines.
Shows the ability to set priorities.
Begins to serve as an engaged member of a team supporting colleagues in service to patients and families and may participate in task forces or other initiatives.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately with the patients served as specified below.
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.
Possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs.
Provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.