A PA or NP is a credentialed health care professional who provides patient centered medical care to assigned patients as a member of a health care team. PAs or NPs practice with clinical oversight, consultation, and input by a designated collaborating physician. Although PAs or NPs are not Licensed Independent Practitioners, they are authorized to practice with defined levels of autonomy and exercise independent medical decision making within their scope of practice.

Duties

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES Clinical Functions: Scope of Practice Core Elements. The core elements for a PA or NP Scope of Practice may include, but are not limited to: (1) Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations. (2) Providing and coordinating medical care for assigned patients in any care setting, including establishing diagnoses, formulating and implementing care plans, and providing follow-up care. (3) Evaluating outpatients to determine the need for further health care. (4) Ordering diagnostic studies and other special tests, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, etc. (5) Carrying out health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education activities. (6) Ordering or obtaining laboratory specimens. (7) Ordering ancillary services, such as, pharmacy, social services, physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, prosthetic services, etc. (8) Ordering VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non-VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures. (9) Ordering patient care supplies. (10) Writing orders for or prescribing medications (see paragraph c. of this App (11) Admitting and discharging patients in consultation with, and on behalf of, the collaborating physician, obtaining admission history and performing physical examinations, conducting patient rounds, documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient record, and writing patient orders on assigned patients. PAs/NPs may be delegated the responsibility of documenting operative notes if the PA/NP was present for the procedure, but the operative surgeon must review and co-sign the note. The PA/NP may also be delegated the task of documenting the discharge summary, but the collaborating physician must write a discharge note, or co-sign the discharge summary written by the PA/NP in accordance with The Joint Commission standards that are applicable. (12) Other patient record entries by PAs/NPs, including medical histories, physical examinations, progress notes, service consults, Compensation and Pension evaluations, and patient orders do not require physician co-signature unless specifically required by Federal law, VA policy, or the standards of applicable external accrediting bodies. (13) Obtaining and documenting informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the PA/NP is responsible. The PA's/NP's Scope of Practice must authorize obtaining informed consent for the treatment or procedure being performed. In addition, the Scope of Practice must authorize the PA to perform the procedure or provide the treatment for which the consent is being obtained or to actively participate as an integral member of the treatment team performing the procedure such as assisting the primary surgeon. NOTE: The PA/NP need not participate in the particular procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo but the PA/NP must be authorized to perform or participate in the procedure by their Scope of Practice and must have sufficient knowledge and training in the treatment or procedure, its indications, risk and benefits, complications, and alternative treatments, to effectively counsel the patient. (14) Providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. (15) PAs may prescribe or order all medications listed in the VA National Formulary consistent with the PA's/NP's level of prescribing authority and practice setting. Exceptions include medications restricted to specific clinical services outside of the PA's/NP's practice setting and those specifically restricted by VHA or local VA medical facility policy. An individual medication formulary included in the Scope of Practice is not required. (16) Controlled Substances. Authorization for medication prescribing or inpatient ordering of controlled substances can only be granted in accordance with the Federal Controlled Substances Act and applicable regulations contained in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter II, Part 1306. PAs may be authorized to prescribe or order controlled substances utilizing the PA's individual Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration when: (a) The PA is currently certified by NCCPA/National Certification as a Nurse Practitioner (b) Holds a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration from a state that authorizes PAs/NPs to prescribe controlled substances; and (c) The schedules of drugs the PA/NP is authorized to prescribe by their Scope of Practice is consistent with the schedules established by the PA's/NP's State licensure or those included on the PA's/NP's individual DEA registration certificate, whichever is more restrictive. (17) Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00AM - 4:30PM - Monday - Friday Financial Discloser Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Physician Assistant Must be a citizen of the United States. Must have a bachelor's degree from a Physician Assistant Training Program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) OR graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by 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 ARC-PA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as an independent duty medical corpsmen, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist or medical technician. The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least 5 years. Must be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Nurse Practitioner U.S. Citizenship, Birth or Naturalized (appropriate documentation required) Master's degree from an NLN or CCNE accredited Nurse Practitioner program National Certification as a Nurse Practitioner Current, full, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse State approval to practice as an NP Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d), 7407(d). Preferred Experience: Preferred Qualifications Minimum of at least two years of successful practice as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner providing medical care to patients Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other disciplines Demonstrated excellence in written/verbal communication and time management Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery At least one-year experience with Surgical Anesthesia/Pain Preferred Level of Education Physician AssistantMasters in Physician AssistantNurse PractitionerMSN with Adult, Family or Anesthesia/Pain NP or DNP++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Preferred Certification(s) BLS (PA and NP)Anesthesia/Pain NP (Nurse Practitioner) OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTSCustomer Service Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates andtreats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous,tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according toestablished policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with thecustomer constructively and appropriately.ADP SecurityProtects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisionsof the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy,and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, orunauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access tocomputerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreementthat the employee signs. GEMS Shall perform GEMS responsibilities as defined in the VAMC Directive "Green EnvironmentalManagement Systems Policy" and shall consider environmentally preferable and recycledproducts in all purchasing decisions. Shall comply with the relevant environmental statutes,regulations and Executive Orders.SafetyShall conform to all VHA and local directives related to safety, life safety, health, hazardousmaterials and emergency management directives.Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of PatientsAge-specific care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, cultural, and chronologicalmaturation needs of the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of changes associated with agingand principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; abilityto assess and interpret data about the patients' status; and ability to identify age-specific needsand provide the appropriate care based upon the age-related factors. Professional Development 1. Acquires knowledge and skills to maintain expertise in area of practice. 2. Shares medical literature research findings with colleagues to enhance patient care delivery. 3. Participates in educational activities to improve clinical knowledge and enhance roleperformance. 4. Serves as a clinical preceptor to healthcare students. 5. Serves on service level committees or subcommittees when assigned. 6. Identifies medical ethical issues and takes appropriate actions. 7. Supports and enhances patient self-determination. Interpersonal Skills. Collaborates effectively with other occupations and services toidentify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems. 8. Shares medical literature research findings with colleagues to enhance patient care delivery. (a) Clinical Proficiency 1. Effectively treats patients with more complex medical problems requiring a higher degree ofclinical skill and competency than that expected of the previous grade. 2. Performs more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring skills andcompetency, as applicable to the assignment, beyond that expected in the previous grade. Grade Determinations:PA Grade Determination Intermediate Grade. Individuals appointed or advanced to Intermediate Grade will havedemonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems and meet thefollowing requirements: (1) Experience / Education (a) 1 year of professional practice as a PA; or(b) Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA orby the U.S. Armed Forces; or(c) A Master's degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NP Grade DeterminationNurse I Level III -An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience. Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required. Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 PART II APPENDIX G8, II-G8-4 and VA Handbook 5005, Part II, and Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-VN-13 and NP-VN-III. Physical Requirements: This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending and carrying light items.The incumbent must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interactwith the patients and other services.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US
• Name: Jennifer Oates
• Phone: 910-885-5742
• Email: [email protected]