Physician Assistant-QHC-13050-009

1. Under general supervision and in accordance with New York State requirements for written practice protocols and written agreements or for collaborative relationships with qualified physician(s) serves as a licensed practitioner responsible for planning, coordinating, delivering and managing comprehensive health care services in a health care setting. 

2. Ensures patient and family-centered quality care to improve outcomes and patient experience, in accordance with applicable NYC Health + Hospitals policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations and nursing standards of care.

3. Responsible for clinical functions to ensure continuity of care, patient satisfaction and compliance with nationally recognized NYSDOH and TJC standards as well as an evaluation and improvement of systems designated to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of neurological care including evidence- based stroke care delivered to patients at NYC Health + Hospitals – Queens.  Participates in the planning, provision, coordination and evaluation of patients who received stroke care.  Participates in the revision, implementation and evaluation of Standards of Care, Performance Improvement (PI) plan, and policies and procedures.  Facilitates interdisciplinary processes to achieve positive patient outcomes and efficient delivery of care. 

4. Serves as a resource person for the professional and allied personnel in the clinical area as it relates to the Stroke program.

1. Patient Care

   1. Manages patient care as outlined in practice protocols.

      1. Participates in the planning, coordination and evaluation of the practice in caring for patient’s receiving interventions for acute Stroke.

      2. Obtains thorough histories, and performs physical exams in order to Assess the physical and psychosocial health status of patients.

      3. Provides routine health care maintenance services to patients.

      4. Assesses and manages acute and chronic neurologic illnesses in collaboration with a physician.

      5. Performs therapeutic measures and diagnostic tests as credentialed.

      6. Prescribes medications as part of the patient's treatment regimen.  The prescribing of medications is to be restricted to the practitioner's specialty as required by law.

      7. Establishes medical diagnosis.

      8. Records and documents data necessary to maintain and coordinate health care.

      9. Initiates referrals/consultations to other health care providers and/or consult with the attending physician.

      10. Promotes safe quality patient care through intra/interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration.

      11. Communicates patient’s plan of care with appropriate disciplines.

      12. Participates in Stroke Teams and evaluates Team Performance and outcomes.

      13. Administers NIH stroke scales.

      14. Sees stroke patients anywhere in the organization.

      15. Contributes to the success of the stroke center by participating in call schedule that includes coverage for nights and weekends on an ongoing basis

2. Professional Practice

   1. Follows stroke patients ensuring adherence to guidelines for antiplatelet meds, DVT prophylaxis, anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation, lipid measurement, dysphagia screening, use of NIH Stroke Scale on admission and discharge, stroke education and referral to Rehabilitation.

      1. Trains professional nurses and other staff in areas related to the clinical requirements and educational efforts of the Stroke Center.

      2. Makes follow-up calls to patients and arranges appropriate outpatient follow-up.

      3. Initiates and participates in studies and research. 

      4. Participates in hospital committees.

      5. Serves as a clinical/educational resource person for the clinical personnel. 

      6. Continually reviews new guidelines and incorporates latest information into clinical practice guidelines and policies.

      7. Participates with all staff to achieve zero defects goal for Hospital.

      8. Seeks constructive feedback and acts to achieve goals identified in performance appraisal.

      9. Rounds with the clinical team and functions as a resource to clinical professionals and ancillary staff. Helps to ensure compliance with mandated parameters of care.

      10. Participates in achieving TJC Certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

3. Governance

   1. Champions patient- centered care and the culture of safety.

      1. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility in the use of resources in the provision of patient care.

      2. Facilitates system changes to support the use of evidence.

      3. Participates in peer review process.

      4. Participates in the achievement of Hospital’s Strategic Goals.

4. Self-Development

   1. Evaluates own practice in relation to professional standards, and regulatory requirements.

      1. Maintains clinical competency by keeping abreast of current trends in health care, legislation, regulatory requirements and nursing practice.

      2. Develops, organizes and participates in health-related research projects and performance improvement studies.

      3. Serves as a coach and mentor in evidence-based medicine.

      4. Attends national and regional Conferences and meetings.

5. Patient and Staff Satisfaction

   1. Anticipates patients' needs and within scope and authority, takes initiative to meet those needs, keeps patients informed of actions taken.

      1. Provides consistent and timely follow-through which ensures that all patient requests are addressed in a prompt and courteous manner.

      2. Makes every attempt to defuse potentially volatile situation.

      3. Resolves differences in a spirit of cooperation; creates solutions that benefit all parties.

      4. Maintains composure, efficiency and positive customer service-oriented manner during periods of peak workload.

      5. Adheres to the ICARE standards of Customer Service.

-Required minimum of 2 years’ experience as a licensed independent.

-Required current New York State registration as a licensed independent practitioner.

-Required certification by a national certifying body in her/his specialty area.