Physician Assistant - Orthopedics

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision of the Physician, the Physician Assistant functions as an advanced practice practitioner, maintaining and promoting the health of the patient requiring care, practicing medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. This position will provide diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and preventative care, under the supervision of a physician. The PA position exams diagnoses and decides treatment for patients, including analyzing and interpreting x-rays and lab results, writes prescriptions, takes patients' histories, provides surgical assistance, and orders various forms of therapy. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and can perform independently under the license of a physician or as part of a treatment team. The PA position affects direct patient care according to the Board of Physician Assistant Examiners in the State of Texas and HMH policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduate of a school of professional Physician Assistant program required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: None required.  One year of experience preferred.
• License/Certification: Current Texas Medical Board licensure as a Physician Assistant required.  Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Frequent: sitting, standing, walking, & reaching.
• Occasional: lifting, carrying, bending, & squatting,
• Visual and hearing acuity required.  Work is inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.
• Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Obtains patient history and performs assessment through interviews and physical examinations.
• Provides direct treatment and management of health conditions.  Delivers appropriate care to patients, at a competent level, according to the needs of the patient and population served. 
• Performs medical procedures as necessary; prescribes medications and treatments.
• Provides surgical assistance to the physician(s).
• Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic procedures.
• Communicates information to patients regarding diagnosis and treatment goals.
• Facilitates referrals to other healthcare professionals and facilities.
• Provides patient/family teaching based on the needs of each patient and plans ways to meet those needs.
• Documents appropriately; maintains patient medical records.
• Adheres to infection prevention protocols.
• Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights, including those pertaining to confidentiality, informed consent and privacy.
• Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.
• Participates in a systemic, interdisciplinary, and ongoing evaluation of programs, process improvement, and desired client-centered outcomes.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, competence validation; supports department-based goals, which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Actively participates in survey readiness activities and assures that department is compliant with all regulatory standards.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.