Physician Assistant, Emergency Department

Overview

Performs direct patient care in the Emergency Department under the supervision of an Attending Physician.

• Performs and documents physical examinations on all patients, neonate through the geriatric population, urgent and non-urgent in the Emergency Department.
• Obtains and documents patients’ medical histories.
• Assesses and documents patients’ and or families’ psychosocial issues.
• Performs and/or orders diagnostic tests; radiology and laboratory.
• Interprets subjective and objective data to formulate a diagnosis.
• Interprets laboratory and diagnostic test results to formulate a diagnosis.
• Discusses patient’s diagnosis and plan of care with ED physician before implementation of said plan of care.
• Documents physician’s approval of plan of care and obtains necessary physician’s signature on the patient’s medical record and physician’s order sheet.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of patients’ plan of care and makes revisions as necessary always consulting the ED Attending Physician.
• Formulates diagnosis and treats illnesses within scope of practice.
• Formulates patient treatment plans within the PA’s scope of practice.
• Implements therapeutic interventions when appropriate within scope of practice.
• Refers patients to other healthcare professionals as appropriate, i.e., psychiatry, physical therapy, social services.
• Provides counseling/education for patients and families on preventive healthcare, disease processes, potential medication side effects, etc. Advises patient of need to follow up with primary care physician.
• Always defers to the ED Attending Physician with difficult cases or when a case is out of the scope of practice for Physician Assistants.
• Orders, prescribes and administers drugs and medical devices within scope of practice. (see individual state laws).
• Able to manage patients on ventilators; endotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes, performs venipuncture, venous cut down, inserts central venous lines, arterial punctures; administers parenteral fluids, blood/blood products; perform wound care, suturing, cast, application and removal; cares for soft tissue injuries; performs lumbar punctures and other procedures under the supervision of the ED Attending Physician.
• Able to perform minor surgical procedures.
• Writes history & physical, progress notes and ED specific notes i.e.: discharge, procedure, etc.
• May prescribe medications per state law.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to supervising physician, nurses, staff.
• Maintains good working relationship within the Emergency Department.
• Consults other health care professionals and facilities as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to patient’s needs.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Teaches PA students, residents and interns Emergency Department specific procedures, techniques.
• Participates in Emergency Medicine research studies when appropriate. Reviews and compiles patient data for research studies and reports as requested.
• Attends all Emergency and medical staff meetings as appropriate to the facility’s rules and regulations.
• Stays current with new developments in emergency medicine through continuing education, seminars and affiliations with professional societies.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Supervised by a licensed Physician.

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Health Sciences, required.
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

• Minimum one (1) year of job related experience in emergency medicine, preferred.

• Proficient knowledge of Medical Terminology, preferred.
• Computer knowledge with Word and Excel Skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and oral communication skills.

• Licensed and currently registered as a Physician Assistant in New York State.
• National Commission On Certification Of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified (Must take recertification every six (6) years).
• Basic…