Physician Assistant-QHC-21004-002

Under the supervision of an assigned fully licensed Physician, provides a wide-range of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care and medical services in a health care setting. Provides clinical education to students and other health professionals. 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 medical standards of care.

1.    Obtains a detailed and accurate history and performs an appropriate physical examination on patients in a health care setting.

2.    Develops an assessment and a therapeutic plan and provides ongoing patient care based on this plan in a health care setting, as per protocol.

3.    Orders and interprets appropriate laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKGs), diagnostic procedures and writes prescriptions according to protocols established by the service.

4.    Performs specific procedures, including but not limited to: drawing blood specimens for testing; blood counts; urinalysis; pap smears; bacteriologic smears; gram stain of sputum and other culturable material(s); vital capacity; administering oxygen; incisions and drainage; wound care and debridement; nasogastric and nasotracheal intubation; gastric analysis; routine suturing of lacerations; skin biopsies; placing indwelling arterial catheters and making blood gas determinations; Paracentesis; Thoracentesis, starting I.V. solutions, administering I.V. medications and other therapeutic procedures for which he or she has received specific supervised training and evaluation.

5.    Initiates consultations and refers patient for special testing according to health care setting’s protocols.

6.    Participates in daily rounds to observe and record pertinent progress of patients, updating and summarizing charts, writing orders and progress notes and notifying the Physician of changes in the patient’s condition, when appropriate.

7.    Participates in team conferences, lectures and grand rounds for the service.

8.    Assists with IR and CT scan procedures for inpatients; communicates with providers as needed, orders laboratory tests as needed, and prioritizes time for patient care.

9.    Instructs and counsels the patient and their family about preventative care, medical problems, prescribed treatments and medications, normal growth and development, family planning, situational adjustment reactions and other related matters.

10.  Assists the Supervising Physician and assists Physician on any other procedures falling within the scope of practice of that Physician.

11.  Performs Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) procedures in the presence of life-threatening situations, such as cardiac and/or respiratory distress, when a Physician is unavailable and with Physician, when appropriate.

12.  Obtains informed consents for patients who will be receiving IV contrast media. Obtains procedural informed consent.

13.  Makes follow-up phone calls to determine the status of a patient’s condition after procedures.

14.  Assists with patient positioning prior to surgical procedures.

15.  Provides orientation to new physician assistants in the performance of major duties and familiarizes staff with clinical policies and procedures of a particular department or service.

16.  Participates in chart audits and other Quality Assurance activities for the department or service.

17.  Participates in continuing education and training to staff physician assistants, students, and other health professionals, if present on the service.

18.  Participates in clinical research activities and relevant studies of a department, service or Supervising Physician, when appropriate.

19.  Performs related administrative duties, as appropriate and required.

20.  All other duties as assigned.

-Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies or like degree is required.

-One (1) year of full-time, satisfactory clinical experience as a Physician Assistant.

-Valid license and current registration to practice as a Physician Assistant issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

-Current certification issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

-Possession of a valid Life Support certification (e.g., Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)) is required in the appropriate practice area through the American Heart Association (AHA) within sixty (60) calendar days of appointment to the title.

-Patient assessment and care planning; clinical documentation; communication with providers, patients and families; patient education; teamwork; prioritization of patient care; quality assurance; and staff orientation and education.