PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I/ PER DIEM/ DAYS/ DIVISION OF AGING/ BWH MAIN CAMPUS
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

Job Info

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GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The physician assistant (PA) is a licensed provider who has acquired a broad range of knowledge and skills through the successful completion of a physician assistant program. The PA is responsible for the assessment and management of various populations of patients, medical and/or surgical, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, development of appropriate plans of care and ongoing evaluation. The physician assistant works under the supervision of an attending physician and reports directly to the department administrator or chief physician assistant administratively.

The PA will perform in accordance with all state and federal regulations and institutional policies including but not limited to the BWH PA Scope of Practice, Prescriptive Guidelines, approved clinical privileges, and BWH PA policy.

The Physician Assistant I (PAI) for the Division of Aging has acquired specialized inpatient/outpatient knowledge and skills through completion of a physician assistant program. The practitioner has the credentials to function in an expanded role and is responsible for the daily management of older adult patients.

The PAI has responsibility for assessment and management of patients including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and continuous implementation and evaluation of an appropriate plan of care. The Physician Assistant works with her/his collaborating physician in accordance with mutually developed practice guidelines, members of the care team for The Center for Older Adult Health under the Department of Medicine's Division of Aging.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to a designated patient population in the ambulatory, inpatient, operative, and/or procedural setting
• Performs complete histories and physical examinations
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Develops appropriate plans of care and follow-up based on the outcomes of diagnostic, laboratory, and physical examination findings
• Orders medications and writes prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures
• Consistently provides high quality and timely documentation including admission and progress notes, procedure notes, operative notes and discharge summaries
• Performs bedside procedures as are appropriate to the patient population
• In some settings, the PA may first assist in the operating room or procedural areas
• Practices cost effective medicine in an efficient manner, maximizing available resources
• Discusses patient data with other physicians and professionals as appropriate in a multidisciplinary setting
• Demonstrates expert clinical judgment skills to function in an independent role
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the department/division

Non-Clinical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates professional collaborative and consultative relationships with other providers
• Follows all designated prescriptive practices and monitoring requirements with the designated supervising physician and administrative report
• Participates in departmental and organizational committees and programs as appropriate and attends all required meetings, in-services, and professional trainings
• Maintains superior interpersonal and communication skills as a member of the healthcare team in order to collaborate effectively with patients, families, staff, and community health workers
• Remains actively involved in continuing education with a commitment to self and departmental growth
• Adheres to all established safety policies, procedures, and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Demonstrates understanding of procedures, policies, and documentation required to ensure compliance with hospital standards of care
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required by the department/division.

Addendum

The Physician Assistant works with her/his collaborating geriatrician in accordance with mutually developed practice guidelines, members of the care team from the Department of Medicine's Division of Aging.

• Provides direct care, counseling, and teaching to older adults seen in The Center for Older Adult Health.
  
• Performs physical examinations and provides preventive health measures appropriate to patient needs.
  
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates appropriate lab and diagnostic tests to assess patients' clinical problems and health care needs.
  
• Arranges for appropriate plan of care and follow-up based on outcome of diagnostic, lab, and physical assessment findings.
  
• Orders medications and writes prescriptions according to organizational and regulatory policies and procedures.
  
• Records pertinent patient care finding in the medical record.
  
• Sets priorities for appropriate and efficient management of patient care that reflects cost effective management of time, available human resources, supplies and equipment.
  
• Maintains interdisciplinary approach to planning and communicating patient care information by discussing patient data with appropriate physicians and other health care professionals.
  
• Incorporates the concepts of health maintenance, prevention, and promotion into daily practice through patient education and counseling.
  
• Demonstrates awareness of community resources and assists staff, patients, and families to effectively utilize them.
  
• Discusses with patients or their delegates: end-of-life issues, chronic disease management, and educational materials regarding patient's health.
  
• Writes prescriptions according to the Massachusetts Authority to Prescribe laws and consistent wit the PA's and supervisions physician's scope of practice.
  
• Provides phone management and triage of clinical phone calls from patients/families. This includes consulting with the MD if necessary and coordinating care needs with other team members, as well as coordinating VNA care and fostering collaborative relationships with community agencies.
  

Quality of Care

Evaluates outcomes of own patients' care and makes necessary revisions in care plans.

Seeks and provides consultation services as required.

Participates in departmental and organization quality improvement program.

Utilizes quality improvement data and research finding to enhance patient care.

Coordination

1. Demonstrates appropriate collaborative and consultative relationships with other providers within the institution and community.

2. Serves on Department of Medicine and Hospital Committees and assumes responsibility for disseminating and communicating information to staff.

Budget

1. Participates in setting productivity metrics and in cost effective management of personnel, time, supplies, and equipment in his/her area.

2. Collaborates with the Practice Manager/Director in the recommendation of appropriate staffing patterns for their clinical areas.

Personnel Management

1. Participates in selection process of new employees in group or team practice as requested.

2. Provides input into evaluation of other staff as appropriate.

Education

1. Acts as preceptor for nursing students and staff, medical students, and PA students as requested.

2. Participates in orientation of new staff.

3. Participates in Departmental and organization continuing education programs.

4. Identifies own learning needs and updates clinical knowledge and skills through formal and informal education and review of current literature.

5. Educates lay and/or professional groups through lectures, papers, publications, and educational materials.

Planning

1. Develops annual objectives and reviews with collaborating M.D. at time of performance review and at appropriate intervals. Completes annual credentialing process through the Department of Medicine Credentialing program.

2. Assists in determining, evaluating, and/or implementing clinical area goals and objectives.

3. Maintains interdisciplinary approach for planning and communicating information for patient care and operation of practice.

4. Maintains current knowledge of legislation that may affect the health care delivery system.

Non Clinical Duties:

1. Team Work, Interpersonal & Communication Skills

2. Professionalism/Professional Development

3. Continuing Education

4. Professional behavior

5. Course attendance

6. Growth of self, growth of department

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:

• The appropriate candidate will have successfully completed a graduate level physician assistant program (Masters degree) accredited by the Accreditation and Review Committee for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) or such other accrediting agency as may qualify a graduate to sit for the NCCPA certifying examination
• BS/MS joint programs and those candidates with a BS and PA certificate are eligible, but ONLY for those who graduated BEFORE 1995
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) must be obtained prior to first day of employment
• Must hold a current valid license or be eligible for licensure as a physician assistant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Must have or eligible for, and maintain, a current DEA registration and Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration
• Must complete 100 hours of CME according to national and state regulations during each two year period of employment
• Must complete the BWH Professionalism Program within three months of date of hire
• Must complete the BWH Procedural Sedation Training if deemed necessary

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must have the ability to work in a high stress, dynamic, busy clinical setting with changing organizational climate
• Must have the ability to be self-directive and to demonstrate initiative in addressing the responsibilities of the position
• Must have the ability to utilize appropriate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Must be energetic and quality driven and have a proven ability to be a productive member of a team dedicated to providing optimal patient care
• Must be proficient with BWH computer systems as needed to independently perform daily tasks (EMR, Epic preferred)
• Must maintain the highest degree of professional judgment under the supervision and guidance of a licensed physician

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work settings may include ambulatory clinics and treatment rooms, inpatient areas, intensive care units, operating rooms, and/or procedural areas. There may be loud noises, noxious odors, and temperature extremes. A large portion of the workday may be spent either standing or walking and the position may require heavy lifting of equipment and patients.

The PA may be exposed to radiation, potentially infectious bodily fluids, and sharp instruments such as needles and scalpels. Knowledge of Universal Precautions and proper use of surgical sharp instruments may be required. The consequences of contamination from bodily fluids or from being stuck with a sharp instrument include the possibility of physical harm to the employee or others. BWH is a fast paced, dynamic environment with a very large and complex patient volume; exposure to stress in the workplace is expected.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

The Physician Assistant I does not have any supervisory responsibility.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

The Physician Assistant I does not have any fiscal responsibility.

EEO Statement
Brigham and Women's Physicians Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, disability unrelated to job requirements, genetic information, military service, or other protected status.

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