In patient - Physician Assistant Orthopedics - Eve shift

Under the clinical supervision of the Department of Orthopaedics Chairman and in conjunction with the Orthopaedic Chief Physician Assistant, the Physician Assistant manages, oversees and participates in the care of patients on the surgical service. The Physician Assistant performs initial evaluations, coordinates and participates in the treatment plans, monitors patient progress and documents same.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs initial evaluation of Orthopaedic surgical patients;

obtains and documents appropriate and comprehensive health histories.

performs and documents appropriate and comprehensive physical examinations.

Presents and discusses the findings of the initial evaluation with the

Attending Surgeon to determine the treatment plan. Documents the

treatment plan and writes appropriate orders.

Coordinates elements of the treatment plan and assesses, evaluates

and documents patient progress. Reviews patient care management issues

with the Attending Surgeon. Consults with appropriate resources as

needed. Documents treatment plan revisions and writes appropriate

orders.

Reviews results of laboratory and other diagnostic tests and formulates

an interpretation.

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including but not limited to;

wound care/debridement.

tube/drain insertion, care or removal.

suturing/suture removal.

insertion or removal of traction pins.

splint, brace or cast application or removal.

medication administration including IV push drugs and the

injection of steroid and anesthetic agents.

insertion or removal of central venous lines.

insertion of nasogastric tubes.

bladder catheterization.

phlebotomy and IV insertion.

electrocardiograms.

Performs daily patient rounds.

Writes patient orders in accordance with Medical Staff policies.

Provides first-level response to acute patient complications and

emergencies and initiates appropriate measures.

Participates in the discharge planning process at the point of admission

and throughout the patient's hospitalization;

participates in discharge conferences as appropriate/necessary.

completes patient care referrals as necessary.

dictates discharge summaries as requested.

Educates, instructs and counsels patients and families. Provides

psychological, emotional and informational support to patients and

families. Communicates patient needs to appropriate team members.

Accepts responsibility and accountability for his/her actions in

delivering patient care.

Collaborates and communicates effectively and establishes good rapport

with all levels of personnel.

Orients medical students, physician assistants and surgical residents

to the environment, patient care practices and hospital policies and

procedures.

Attends Surgical Grand Rounds each week. Prepares and presents case

histories, problems and complications as requested by the Chair of

Surgery.

Participates in the quality improvement/quality assurance process.

Performs such other duties as requested from time to time by the Chair of

the Department of Surgery as he or she may deem such services reasonable

and necessary to the efficient maintenance of quality care at the

Hospital.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Certificate of registration from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Board of Registration of Physician Assistants.

Two years experience as a Physician Assistant.

Demonstrated analytical abilities and strong interpretative skills for

integrating information from the patient history, physical exam, and

diagnostic data to be able to formulate a differential diagnosis and

subsequent treatment plan for surgical patients in both elective and

emergent situations.

Demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication and problem-solving

skills.

Evidence of continued education and professional development.

CPR (BLS) certification required.

Knowledge of the special needs and behaviors of infant, child,

adolescent, adult, older adult patients preferred.