The incumbent services as Physician Assistant, Orthopedics under the supervision of the Chief, Surgery Service. Ortho PA coordinates all activities within the orthopedics department to ensure that patients referred to the department from Primary Care, Urgent Care/Emergency Room, Community Living Center, the inpatient units, and VISN tertiary centers are screened for medical workup and scheduled for a clinical appointment. 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. Preferred Experience: Three years of Orthopedic Experience Three years of OR Experience Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. Ability to perform patient history and physical. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: Two years of successful practice as a PA. ~OR~ 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. ~OR~ A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) 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: Three years of successful practice as a PA. ~OR~ 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~ 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE). Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. 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: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Pushing (5 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (5 hours); Standing (5 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement (see computer screen); Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental &Emotional Stability Environmental Factors: Silica, asbestos, etc.; Working closely with others; Working alone; Protracted or irregular hours of work ["Duties include but not limited to: The incumbent will be directly involved clinically as a physician assistant coordinating all aspects of providing the appropriate (non) surgical care to the right veteran most efficiently and effectively. Performs and dictates/types initial histories and physical examinations as well as progress notes on all procedures performed for which he or she is responsible and enters into the non-OR portion of EHR Makes daily rounds, observes patients' medical progress, changing orders when appropriate, and notifying the attending physician of significant changes in the patient's condition. Dictating/typing discharge and transfer summaries. Provides comprehensive physical assessment. Evaluates, diagnoses, and treats new and existing patient's conditions. Orders appropriate tests. Inserts IV's and draws blood; performs medical and surgical procedures for which he/she is credentialed. Removes sutures, clips and drains postoperatively. Assists Physicians in medical and surgical procedures. Schedules operative procedures and changes with operating room personnel at the discretion of the attending physician. Uses prescriptive authority to write prescription medication for patients. Writes/dictates medical notes in patients' charts using EHR, indicating patient status, treatment and procedures. Conducts follow-up patient care. Provides health education to patients and families. Supervises and/or coordinates the activities of patient care and support staff within the orthopedics clinics. Trains new providers in the orthopedic departments on the use EHR. Develops templates for use by orthopedic providers. Facilitates the procurement of medical supplies for the orthopedic clinic. Coordinates with clerical staff to optimize the clinic schedule and clinic utilization to ensure performance criteria. Reviews and revises as needed the orthopedic service line agreements with Primary Care and other specialties. Assigned to facility committees as needed to optimize and expedite coordinated patient care. Works at the direction of the Chief of Surgery to recruit orthopedic fee providers. Acts as a preceptor to Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners and ensures didactic knowledge is applied to clinical practice. Completes ACLS/BLS and mandatory annual review. Identifies areas for quality improvements and participates in improvement activities. Act as a mentor to other midlevel providers, training within the orthopedic department. Actively participates in community health education. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Telework: Ad-hoc telework may be available based on service needs. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more 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. Program 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. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package."]

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