Description

Job Summary:

Physician Assistants (PA) poses a working knowledge of operating room procedures with respect to attire, infection control, and is familiar with individual requirements and recommended practices of compliance. PA is able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members with respect to the requirements of a particular surgical procedure, is able to demonstrate, maintain dexterity sufficient to successful completion and his/her assistant duties, and must maintain a professional attitude with respect to dignity, privacy, and safety of the patient. PA must also be competent in the performance of patient care clinics; either assisting a surgeon or performing the clinic independently, in Laramie and/or outlying clinics. PA will be responsible for seeing new patients, established/follow-up patients, and post-op patients. New patients can be seen by PA on his/her own, or “incident to” the care of the primary treating orthopedic surgeon. The PA must function within the limits of his/her ability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assists

• Assist surgeon during the operative procedure according to license.

Attention to Detail

• Continually demonstrate attention to detail and concentration during the surgical procedure.

Patient Clinical Care

• Be proficient in the orchestrating of and the carrying out of patient care clinics in a normal routine clinical setting, in the various locations maintained by the company.
• Patients that will be seen in these clinics could be new patients, follow-up patients, old patients with new problems, or routine follow-up care.

Flexibility

• Respond with flexibility to changing work load or patient assignments.
• It may be the responsibility of the PA to round for the physicians at the hospital, as well as take and rotate call (including hospital call) with the other PAs, and physicians.
• It may also be the responsibility of the PA to run a clinic schedule, seeing patients in both the Laramie and outlying clinics, depending on the need, which will require some travel throughout the state.

Inter-operative Activities

• Perform intra-operative activities as directed by the surgeon.

Interventions

• Initiate interventions efficiently, safely and skillfully using sound clinical judgment.

Operating Room Setup

• Assist with initial setup of operating room specific to case type, and assist with room turnover between cases.

Patient Protection

• Protect patient from thermal, electrical, chemical, or mechanical injury.

Plan of Care

• Communicate plan of care with team members of the surgical team.

Positioning & Draping

• Assist with positioning and draping of the patient.

Problem Solving

• Exercise problem-solving techniques when encountering new situations.

Safe Environment

• Ensure safe aseptic environment consistent with infection control and safe operating procedures before, during, and after procedure.

Surgical Knowledge

• Apply/Share expert surgical knowledge by applying/sharing knowledge of aseptic practice, hemostasis, tissue handling and wound healing.

Surgical Procedure

• Is familiar with surgical procedure, approach, and clinical anatomy.
• Recognize anatomical abnormalities that may impact surgical intervention.

Surgical Site Identification

• Identify correct surgical site and verify with surgeon and other members of the surgical team.
• Delay surgical procedure if any discrepancy among parties, patient history and physical, consents, or scheduled procedure occurs.

Tissue Dissection

• Use appropriate tissue dissection trocar placement or allograft preparation.

Wound Closing

• Wound closing and application of dressings.

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner, utilizing the appropriate chain of command.

Analyzing Skills

• Analyze situations accurately, make decisions to bring a favorable resolution, and take effective action; seeks out help when appropriate.

Compassion

• Demonstrates compassion and caring in dealing with others.

Flexibility

• Respond with flexibility to changing work load and/or patient assignments.

Working Relationships

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, co- workers and the public.

Initiative

• Exhibit initiative and self-directed behavior.
• Accept responsibility for own professional growth and personal conduct.

Build Knowledge Base and Skill

• Build upon the knowledge base and skill level of an assistant-at-surgery through experiential learning and ongoing education.

Adherence to Facility/Departmental Policy

Confidentiality

• Observe confidentiality of information in regards to patients, physicians, and fellow employees; ability to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards.

Attendance/Punctuality

• Maintain a good attendance record and arrives to work punctually.

Safety & Infection Control Policies

• Adhere to safety and infection control policies.

Care of Environment, Equipment, and Supplies

Clean, Neat, Safe Environment

• Maintain a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, including personal work areas.

Equipment

• Utilize correct/safe technique when using equipment and notifies appropriate personnel of malfunctioning equipment per department policies.

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent - Required
• Completion of License and Certification from Accredited School - Physician Assistant Program - Required

Certification & License(s)

• Current Wyoming Physician Assistant License - Required
• BLS-Health Care Provider (CPR) - Required
• ACLS (or obtain within one year of hire) - Required
• Life Safety Skills Training - Required

Experience

• 1 Year Patient care, under supervision of Orthopedic Surgeon(s) - Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Seeing - Must be able to read and visually evaluate patients - Constant
• Hearing - Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients, as well as to receive instruction from physicians and/or supervisor - Constant
• Speaking - Must be able to verbally communicate with physicians, co-workers, and patients to give instruction to patients and/or employees under supervision - Constant
• Grasping - Must be able to maneuver and handle surgical equipment and perform duties requiring fine motor skills - Constant
• Bending/Crouching - Must be able to lower one’s body in order to aid patients during the rehabilitation program or to maneuver rehabilitation equipment - Frequently
• Sitting - Frequently
• Standing - Must be able to stand in place for long periods of time - Frequently

Weight Demands

• Lifting - Must be able to lift at least 100 pounds - Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling - Must be able to maneuver and position equipment and patients - Frequently

Working Conditions

Environmental Hazards

• The fast paced environment may lead to increased levels of personal stress and demand high mental acuity.

Physical Hazards

• Physical harm is possible when performing physical requirements, as listed above.
• Exposure to communicable disease, bodily fluids, and/or toxic substances is possible and can be physically harmful.

Unique Work Schedule/Travel

• May be required to work after hours, on weekends, or holidays.
• May be required to provide services outside the clinical setting (i.e. at University or High School athletic events), or travel to offices throughout the state.

Employee Statement of Understanding

I have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all of the essential functions of this position.

I agree to comply with the corporate compliance policy and all laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct related to my position. As an employee, I understand my duty to report any suspected violations

of the law or the standards of conduct to my immediate supervisor.

As an employee, I will strive to uphold the mission and vision of the organization. All employees are required to adhere to the values in all their interactions with patients, customers, and fellow employees.

Note: This description is intended to describe the general job duties and employment requirements for adequate job performance, and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive report. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the employees’ supervisor.