Establishes and enforces administrative support in the outpatient Orthopedic Surgery clinic and Surgery Service. Provides support to physicians in the care and treatment of patients in the Orthopedic Surgery clinic. The Physician's Assistant (PA) major responsibility is to meet the needs of the veteran patient.

Duties

Physician assistants assist in the examination and observation of patients by performing such duties as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering laboratory studies during hospital rounds and clinic visits. As directed by a physician, physician assistants carry out special procedures; for example, they give injections or other medication, apply or change dressings, perform lumbar punctures, or suture minor lacerations. Duties include but are not limited to: Perform initial histories and physicals examinations on outpatients. Provide ongoing outpatient care for assigned patients. Perform evaluation/clinical assessments of patients with Orthopedic problems. Screen outpatients to determine need for further care. Prescribe medications within defined scope of practice. Order diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKGs), MRI, CT Scan etc. Carry out health promotion and disease prevention activities. Draw blood specimens for testing and performing other comparable lab procedure. Perform arthrocenteses of joints (knee, elbows, shoulders). Steroid or viscosupplementation injections to knees, and steroid injection to shoulders, inflamed bursae, etc. Initiate and expedite requests for consultations and schedule special tests and studies. Conduct daily rounds to observe and record each patient's medical progress. Update and summarize medical records, change orders when appropriate, and notify the responsible physician of significant changes in the patient's condition. Conduct interim summaries of patient's medical records. Complete progress notes, procedures, orders, etc. into electronic medical records system. Provide education and counseling to patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Perform Compensation & Pension Examinations (orthopedic problems). Assist with surgeries on patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery. Perform other duties as assigned in orthopedic surgery section and in surgical service. Supervisory Controls The Attending makes assignments by defining overall objectives, prioritizing patients according to urgency. Instructions are received from the supervisor on any policies and procedures. The incumbent independently resolves most of the patient complains or conflicts that arise; coordinates the work with others as necessary and interprets policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. Complete work is typically reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements. Medication and treatment orders are reviewed and initialed by your attending. Guidelines A. Documentation Guidelines include procedural manuals and policy manuals applicable to the functions of the orthopedic clinic. They also provide references describing medications, diet and kinds of tests and instructions for their preparation. Guides are supplemented by oral directives from the physician, and attending. These guidelines cover most situations. B. Incumbent uses sound judgment when applying guidelines for individual situations. The physician or attending authorize deviations from or changes in their use. Complexity Work consists of performing initial histories and physical examinations on outpatients in the orthopedic clinic, performing Compensation & Pension examinations, and providing patient care as directed by the attending physician. The incumbent provides input to patient progress notes, procedures, orders, etc., into the computer for which the PA is responsible. Duties of work may change due to priorities as a result of emergency situations, adjustments in treatment and patient care pertaining to the clinic. Scope and Effect The purpose of this position is to ensure that the orthopedic clinic and Compensation & Pension examinations are met and processed expediently by supplying adequate support to the orthopedic clinic and efficient service to the veteran population resulting in effective public relations for the VA Medical Center. Personal Contacts Personal contacts include patients, their families and friends, members of patient care teams, medical staff and particularly close association with the orthopedic clinic and surgery personal. Contacts also include staff in many areas of the medical center as well as business personnel. Contact may be in person, by telephone or via written correspondence. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) (a) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day. The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment when in surgery. In the clinics you may need to assist patients into the examinations rooms when in wheel chairs or on carts, which could consist of a variety of standing, walking, twisting, turning, sitting, bending, pushing, carrying and light lifting. This may be considered demanding physical activity.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Jacob Bower
• Phone: 352-562-1808
• Email: [email protected]