The Physician Assistant (PA) practices in Surgical Care Service to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the Veterans Affairs (VA) mission. The PA provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management. The Physician Assistant- Surgical ICU is responsible for managing patients with acute and/or chronic disease in ICU setting. 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-I (PA-I) - Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry-level for PAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) 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. 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, thus lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multidisciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. Theyutilize 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 healthcare 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 (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-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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 1 to 3 . Physical Requirements: ???????This work is mostly sedentary and requires some standing, bending and carrying light items. The individual must have the ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time to interact with the patients and other services. ["Major Duties include, but not limited to: Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice. Develops and implements an individualized plan to achieve optimal population health and disease management. Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies. Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services. Provides education to patients and their families. Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Obtains and documents relevant health and medical history Documents in Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Performs a physical examination based on history. Orders and interprets diagnostic tests. Identifies medical and health risks and needs of the patient/family based on data collection. Formulates the appropriate differential diagnosis based on the history, physical examination and clinical findings. Establishes a plan of care to achieve the identified medical and health goals. Prescribes medications which may include controlled substances per licensure. Identifies patient education needs and provides for relevant education. Initiates referrals and/or consultations as appropriate to achieve an interdisciplinary plan of care including referrals to community agencies. Determines effectiveness of the plan of care through documentation of client (patient) care outcomes. Is proactive in identifying potential emergency/crisis situations and providing appropriate interventions. Performs procedures within the approved scope of practice and based on documented competencies: Performing diagnostic and stabilization procedures based on ACLS protocol including oral endotracheal intubation/airway management, needle thoracostomy and cricothyrotomy. Placing and maintaining Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC), including de-clotting procedure. Placing and maintaining enteral feeding catheters. Placing, maintaining and managing internal jugular, subclavian and femoral central lines. Placing, maintaining and managing percutaneous arterial lines. Placing and managing Swan Ganz catheters. Placing pleural pigtail or chest tubes. Rewiring central line catheters (Cordis to triple lumen). Removal of chest tubes (pleural and mediastinal),epicardial pacer wires, and femoral arterial sheaths, including IABP catheter sheaths. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Rotating Schedule, 6:00am to 6:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position."]

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