Physician Assistant (Cardiology)

Veterans Health Administration•Wilmington, DE

About The Position

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for the Outpatient Cardiology Clinic and for the management and oversight of cardiology specialties, including coverage for the cardiac stress lab where applicable. The PA uses advanced skills in identifying and clarifying problems, treatment planning, and implementing treatment plans for Veterans with cardiac conditions. The provider works collaboratively with the healthcare team to improve the quality of care delivered to Veterans and follows pertinent professional society standards and national guidelines. The PA provides direct patient care, patient and family education, and staff education; consults and collaborates with other healthcare providers; prescribes medications and adjunctive modalities; refers patients to other specialties; and may participate in research. The role coordinates timely, appropriate, high-quality, and cost-effective care in Cardiology clinics, and supports care planning for inpatients and outpatients with cardiac diseases. The PA evaluates care management services and works with Cardiology attending physicians, fellows, Primary Care, other specialties, and Cardiology nursing and administrative staff. Educational responsibilities include maintaining professional competence through learning and continuing education, attending required in-service training, and instructing students assigned for clinical instruction. The PA may also serve as a resource to the community, VISN, and VHA nationally on the needs of the Veteran population. The position follows policies and procedures concerning customer service, performance improvement, emergency preparedness, safety, confidentiality, infection control, and patient safety, and safeguards VA information and computer access credentials. Other duties may be assigned in support of the medical center's mission, consistent with the PA's skills and knowledge. Travel to other Eastern Market facilities may be required. The position is not virtual; ad hoc telework is noted. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 0800–1630.

Requirements

Master's degree in any discipline, or a bachelor's degree in any discipline and one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE), or be in the process of taking the exam.
Currently hold, or be able to obtain, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
For PA-II qualification through experience, two years of successful practice as a PA; alternatively, successful completion of an eligible PA postgraduate residency or a doctoral degree in a health-related field.
For PA-III qualification through experience, three years of successful practice as a PA; alternatively, an eligible PA postgraduate residency and one year of PA practice, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field and one year of PA practice.
Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriate to the grade sought, including patient assessment, treatment planning, clinical decision-making, and collaborative care.
Complete required pre-employment screening and onboarding, including a background/security investigation, drug test if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position, and pre-employment physical evaluation.
Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of outpatient general cardiology experience is strongly preferred.
Ability to practice autonomously, including independent ordering and interpretation of diagnostics, medication management, and treatment planning without reliance on a supervising Cardiology Attending.
Inpatient, procedural, or perioperative cardiology experience will be considered, although direct outpatient clinic experience is strongly preferred.
Experience within the Veterans Health Administration, including familiarity with the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), is preferred.
Prior experience delivering telehealth services is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate care for patients in Cardiology clinics to ensure timely, appropriate, high-quality, and cost-effective care.
Assess, coordinate, and plan healthcare services for inpatients and outpatients with cardiac diseases.
Provide direct patient care, including problem identification, treatment planning, and implementation for Veterans with cardiac conditions.
Provide patient and family teaching and staff education.
Consult and collaborate with healthcare providers, including Cardiology attending physicians, fellows, Primary Care, and other specialties.
Prescribe medications and adjunctive modalities and refer patients to other specialties.
Provide clinical support to RNs, LPNs, and MSAs in the Cardiology Service.
Evaluate care management services on an ongoing basis.
Maintain professional competence through continuing education and attend required in-service training.
Provide clinical instruction to students assigned to the facility.
May serve as a resource to the community, VISN, and VHA nationally regarding the needs of the Veteran population.
Follow applicable policies and procedures for customer service, interpersonal relations, performance improvement, emergency preparedness, safety, confidentiality, infection control, and patient safety.
Safeguard computer passwords and codes and comply with VA information security and confidentiality policies.
Perform other duties consistent with skills and knowledge to support the medical center's mission.
Travel to other Eastern Market facilities when required to support specialty-service care.
May participate in research.