The Physician Assistant (PA) functions in an advanced care role in a collaboration with and under the direction of the general surgeons of West Alabama Surgical Associates. The PA will work with the clinical team to provide quality, compassionate care for patients assigned to them.  Incumbent is responsible for evaluating patients based on pre-established guidelines and in collaboration with the physician, entering orders, and performing surgical/ invasive procedures under the direction and supervision of the physician.

1. Completes health history and screening assessment in order to evaluate the age appropriate physical, psychosocial, educational, and environmental needs of patients/family in a systematic manner. Specific ages: as defined by scope of service.
2. Orders and evaluates pertinent diagnostic studies as needed to develop a plan of care that meets approved standards of practice in accordance with established protocols.
3. Assists the general surgeons in performing a wide range of medical and surgical procedures under supervision and instruction of physician, and in accordance with the scope of practice.
4. Writes appropriate prescriptions and administers medications according to standard protocols and in collaboration with supervising physician.
5. Rounds on hospital patients daily as assigned, assesses the patient’s plan of care, and documents all patient encounters, records observations, interventions, and actions in a medically appropriate manner on the patient’s medical record.
6. Provides leadership to other clinic team members by articulating and delegating expected standards of care.
7. Perform minor in-office procedures as assigned and within scope of practice.
8. Teaches, supervises, and counsels patients and caregivers regarding appropriate to plan of care.
9. Plans and documents patient/family education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-rated factors, after identifying barriers to learning.
10. Participates in Health System Performance Improvement Program, and quality initiatives including any clinic based quality programs or improvement efforts.
11. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.
12. In coordination with the clinical staff, verifies and amends medication list in medical record as appropriate.
13. Participates in a call rotation with surgeons for after-hours call coverage.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Must be a graduate of an approved Physician Assistant program.
• Licensed by the State of AL Board of Medical Examiners to practice as a Physician Assistant and maintain an active collaboration agreement with the assigned vascular surgeon.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a surgical physician assistant preferred.
• Prior knowledge, training, or experience in general surgery preferred.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical: Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient. Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling. Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction. Ability to run in emergency situations. Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner. Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips.

Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Environmental:  Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

Psychological:  Includes demonstrating leadership skills, delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.