Physician Assistant Neurology

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts physical exams, assesses health status, orders and interprets tests, prescribes medications, and treats illnesses including giving injections and suturing wounds. 
• Consults with physicians as needed and refers to physicians for more complicated medical cases or cases that are not a routine part of a PA’s scope of work. 
• Monitors therapies and provides continuity of care.
• Triages patient calls and evaluates patient problems. Responds to emergencies including use of CPR.
• Counsels patient/family on preventive health care.
• Documents patient information and care in medical record and may maintain department statistical database for research purposes.
• Obtains complete medical history and physical data on patients
• Reviews patient records, interprets and integrates data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures needed in conjunction with the physician or under the direction of a physician
• Dictates history and physicals for all hospitalized admissions
• Interviews and advises patients regarding health and illness prevention; instructs patient and family regarding medications and treatment instructions
• Provides patient education
• Triages patient telephone calls and provides consultation
• Performs independent evaluations and treatment procedures in emergency situations
• Writes and refills prescriptions (this is dependent on state laws and the PA’s scope of practice) 
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

• Nurse Practitioner Education: 
• BSN required, MSN preferred; successful completion of advanced practitioner training and certification as a practitioner (general or specialized) from an approved nurse practitioner program.
• Minimum three years of professional nursing experience in a clinic setting, plus two years of nurse practitioner experience.
• Physician Assistant Education: 
• Bachelor’s degree and successful completion of accredited physician assistant program.
• Four years of health care experience prior to applying to PA program, plus one year of experience as PA, preferably in clinic setting.

Experience:

• Nurse Practioner Experience: Minimum three years of professional nursing experience in a clinic setting, plus two years of nurse practitioner experience 
• Physician Assistant Experience: Four years of health care experience prior to applying to PA program, plus one year of experience as PA, preferably in clinic setting.

Other Requirements:

• Nurse Practioner Requirements: Current state registered nurse license. Current state license as an advanced registered nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority. 
• Physician Assistant Requirements: National certification from the National Commission on Certification of PA; state PA license also required.
• Current CPR certificate required.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of medical model and roles of physicians and physician assistants. Familiar with anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnosis.
2. Knowledge of patient assessment techniques including taking medical histories, performing physicals, evaluating health status including state of wellness, and compliance with care recommendations.
3. Knowledge of diagnosing and treating medical problems and developing care plans.
4. Knowledge of documentation in medical records in confidential manner.

Skills:

1. Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data.
2. Skill in accurately evaluating patient problems in person or via phone and providing appropriate advice, intervention, or referral.
3. Skill in developing/revising patient care plan based on patient status.

Abilities:

1. Ability to make responsible decisions within scope of PA practice.
2. Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians on complicated cases.
3. Ability to educate patients, families, and staff in user-friendly manner.
4. Ability to demonstrate eye–hand coordination, full range of motion, and manual dexterity.

Equipment Operated: Medical instruments required for physical exams and minor surgery and computer hardware/software.

Work Environment: Medical office and exam room settings. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, and other conditions common to clinic. Frequent contact with variety of people.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Involves standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting. May be required to help to transfer patient. High level of responsibility and heavy workload can generate stress.