Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Summary of Position

Premier HealthNet and Premier Health Specialists offer a variety of Physician Assistant positions with varying degree of responsibility. The Physician Assistant (PA) has completed graduate level physician assisting preparation at the master’s or doctoral level and is licensed as a Physician Assistant. Our Physician Assistants, in collaboration with Physicians, provides health and medical care in the in-patient and ambulatory settings consistent with the physician assistants’ education and licensure, which may include various specialties. The Physician Assistant performs comprehensive assessments; develops diagnoses; orders, conducts, supervises and interprets diagnostic and laboratory tests; and prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments under the direction of supervising Physician (s).

The Physician Assistant must practice in accordance with the rules adopted by the Ohio Medical Board, the Revised Code and institutional policies and procedures. The PA role is developed in relation to the specialty population of practice and reflects the scope and standards of their specialty, licensing board, and certifying organization (NCCPA). The PA is accountable to maintain competence through continuing education and review of practice. The PA roles include those of practitioner, researcher, consultant, and patient advocate for individuals, groups, and communities.

Nature and Scope

The Neuroscience PA should have experience with neurosurgery and treatment of various neurological disorders/diseases. The PA should demonstrate skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of medicine to provide ongoing patient care. The PA Should have knowledge of the professional medical practice being able to give and evaluate patient care. The PA should be competent in taking medical history, assessing medical condition (s) of patients, and interpreting medical findings.

The PA should possess the ability to maintain quality assurance and quality control standards. The PA should be able to implement effective communication skills with both patients and colleagues that demonstrate a commitment to consistently providing an excellent patient experience for every patient. The PA is expected to have capability of reacting calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities- May include:

1. Obtains complete medical history and physical data on patients. Reviews patient records.
2. Interprets and integrates data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures needed.
3. Performs physical exams and develops problem lists.
4. Initiates and orders appropriate laboratory, radiographic, and special examinations or tests required for the evaluation of illness.
5. Synthesizes data to determine preliminary assessment and propose therapeutic plan. Promotes and performs patient education utilizing principles of prevention.
6. Administers injections, immunizations and oral medications.
7. Interviews and advises patients promoting health and illness prevention. Recommends community and medical resources to meet patient and family needs.
8. Instructs patient and family regarding medication and treatment instructions. Provides patient education.
9. Makes complete chart entries on patient encounters by recording progress notes which are reviewed and countersigned by the responsible physician.
10. Assists physicians by triaging complex patients and telephone calls.
11. Provides monitoring and continuity of care between physician visits.
12. Attends required meetings and participates in center committees and activities as requested.
13. Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations and licensing.
14. Performs related work as required.
15. Effectively and efficiently communicates to all in a polite, friendly and professional manner.
16. Records information in an organized, detailed, legible manner, especially charts documentation.
17. Maintains an awareness of patient needs and communicates these needs to the staff, physicians, management, etc.
18. Assists and serves as a catalyst for improving standards of practice, i.e., addressing competency and skills, systems and procedures, equipment and training, etc.
19. Continuously promotes, shares, and demonstrates strong knowledge of center operations. Serves as a constant resource to others and appropriately utilizes resources effectively.
20. Provides professional and competent support and fosters harmonious working relationship with the physicians and other staff members.
21. Exhibits flexibility and self-direction in meeting the patient, physician, and center needs. Responds as a team player to achieve trust within partnership and work groups.
22. Maintains accountability for own actions and demonstrates reliable judgement within scope of the position.
23. Maintains a consistent service attitude and accommodating office environment.
24. Serves as a role model to others by exhibition excellent guest relation skills, through verbal and nonverbal behavior.
25. Courteously acknowledges patients and guests as they enter the center.
26. Consistently maintains a positive attitude and supports center philosophy of quality patient care.
27. Appropriately prioritizes the needs of the patient, their families, the physicians, their peers, and themselves with good judgment in an efficient and effective manner.
28. Takes initiative to function as a patient advocate.
29. Implements the standards for the Primary Care Networks, including the Customer Service and Teamwork standards.
30. Appropriately handles and deals with patient complaints. Communicates and refers issues to the manager and/or physician.
31. Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

1. Applicant must hold a Master’s Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program (MPAS, MHS, or MMS) or a Nurse Practitioner with a certification for First Assist 
2. Applicant must have and maintain a PA certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician’s Assistants (NCCPA) or a Masters in Nursing. 
3. Current Ohio licensure and ACLS certification is required.
4. Certificate to Prescribe must be current and maintained at all times.
5. A minimum of three years of related experience as a PA or NP. 
6. Excellent communication skills with both patients and colleagues are essential.
7. Computer literacy is required and must include Excel, Word and Outlook. Electronic Medical Records experience is an advantage, preferably EPIC.
8. Experience with, and a strong surgery background will be a great advantage.