This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

General Description: The Mental Health Service Line provides care in several psychiatric settings: inpatient units, ambulatory programs, residential program for substance abuse, residential program for PTSD, emergency department, medical-surgical ward psychiatric consultation and geriatrics with extended programs. Physician Assistants assigned to the Mental Health Service Line are expected to provide Mental Health care in those settings as required. The ACOS/Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences (MH&BS) is responsible for the overall clinical and administrative functions of the Mental Health Service. Duties and Responsibilities: PSYCHIATRIC PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE: Duties include, but are not limited to, evaluating psychiatric patients; making appropriate referrals/consults, follow-ups, and treatment plans; performing histories and physical examinations (H&Ps) on assigned patients; ordering routine laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests on assigned patients; may perform venipuncture and arterial punctures to obtain tests on assigned patients; may order electrocardiograms; writing medical orders on assigned patients; writing progress notes; providing patient education; and applying accepted preventive health care measures to patients. The PA will also be responsible for assisting in the completion of required mental health clinic reminders and monitors. All current medical center approved non-restricted formulary medications will be considered to be within the approved Scope of Practice for the physician assistant, with the exception of Chemotherapy medications and Clozaril. In life threatening situations, the PA may initiate Basic Life Support in accordance with current BLS standards, to include automatic defibrillation. The PA may initiate Advanced Cardiac Life Support in accordance with current ACLS protocols, to include defibrillation/cardioversion in life threatening situations, if ACLS certified. The PA will also perform administrative duties such as quality assurance, peer reviews, serving on various committees as may be directed by the ACOS/MH&BS or Administration. The PA may also participate in the instruction of medical and allied health care students assigned to MH&BS. The PA will also perform other related duties as assigned. The PA will have documented collaboration if required by their state licensing board. Additional Functions a. Staff Physician Assistants provide or assist other specialists in the process of evaluation and treatment of the psychiatric patient, and actively participate in corrective actions against untoward responses to psychiatric interventions. b. Staff Physician Assistants evaluate the patient to assess changes in the physical and mental status. A progress note is written in the patient's chart. c. Staff Physician Assistants are appropriately credentialed and privileged. They may participate in various hospital committees, departmental and hospital in-service programs, and education programs of the department and the hospital. Supervisory Controls: The individual is administratively and clinically responsible to the ACOS/MH&BS. Customer Service: Continually promotes teamwork by cooperating with and supporting staff, visitors and customers in achieving hospital goals/mission. Consistently communicates with and assists customers, visitors, and staff in a courteous and professional manner. Promotes a positive image of veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Regularly creates and maintains an environment that ensures confidentiality and privacy for patients. Greets customers and readily identifies self before communicating or conducting business. Age, Developmental, & Cultural Needs of Patients: Age Specific: The employee provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation needs of the patient group served. Categories served: Ages Adult 18-64Geriatric 65+ Computer Security: In the performance of official duties, the employee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data that must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy. The incumbent is responsible for: 1) protecting data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion and 2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs.

Requirements

Qualifications

Qualifications: The Physician Assistant (PA) must meet the following minimum threshold criteria and be certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician's Assistants (unless continuously employed by VA since March 11, 1993): Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Basic Education: Graduation from a PA training program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, PA must meet one of the following: (1) Master's degree in any discipline; OR (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA; AND Board certification: Initial board certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician's Assistants (PANCE) AND Note: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA. Licensure: PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: Mental Health Drug Testing Position: In accordance with criteria contained in Executive Order 12564, this position has been determined as "sensitive" for drug testing purposes. VA employees in positions involving law enforcement, national security, the protection of life and property, public health or safety, or other functions requiring a high degree of trust and confidence, will be designated as subject to drug testing. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-2 Physician Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams, and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients; ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms.

Education

• Graduation from a PA training program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA); or graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a bachelor's degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science; or graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as an independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician.
• Minimal Formal Training: Bachelor's degree from a PA training program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA); or graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a bachelor's degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science; or graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as an independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician.

Contacts

• Address WG Bill Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144 US
• Name: Tamashia Dixon
• Phone: (980) 401-2551
• Email: [email protected]