PA/NP NEUROSURGERY FIRST ASSIST

  The Physician Assistant will function in a supervised or independent capacity with the Neuro Surgeon and the Surgical Services health team. Supervision, where necessary, will be provided by the Neurosurgeon. The Physician Assistant (PA) demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Mission, Vision and Values of Covenant and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. The PA will function in a supervised and independent capacity with the Covenant HealthCare physician team. Supervision, where necessary, will be provided by the practice�s designated supervising physician.  

Direct Patient Care Strong patient assessment skills; taking medical history, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, performing physical exam and treating illnesses and injuries. 
Assist Physician with hospital inpatient and outpatient surgeries in preparation and conduct of surgical procedures under direct supervision. 
Assists in surgery fulfilling requirements of a surgical assistant. 
Provides pre & post-op surgical/medical care.
 Perform hospital H&P�s, Discharge Summaries and subsequent care. 
Prescribe medication within the scope of licensure and facility limitations.
 Educate patients on conditions, treatments, and risk factor modification.
 Physician Support Assist physician with hospital inpatient admission, consultations and discharges under direct supervision. 
Assists with inpatient rounding. Keep in contact with physician regarding patient updates/change of status, test results and new admissions. 
Assist with patient paperwork such as disability forms, prior authorizations, and prescription refills. 
Quality Assurance Participates and/or directs regulatory activities in compliance with CLIA, HFAP, OSHA, EMTALA, and Corporate Compliance/Covenant guidelines.
 Work with Office Manager/Coordinator in developing clinical protocols for practice. 
Timely coding and documentation of services provided.
Surgical First Assisting Participate in �on-call� as determined by department needs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Current Licensure to practice in the State of Michigan. 
Graduate from an accredited institution.
Certification as a Physician Assistant. 
Continuing medical education as required by the certification body. 
ACLS Certification or willing to obtain within 6 months of employment
 Preferred: 2 years of experience as a Physician Assistant. 
1 year experience in Neurosurgery service line. 
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
 Knowledge in the specialty of the practice for which the position is posted is preferred.
Knowledge of Covenant systems, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of acute and chronic care protocols, administration of medications and treatments, delivery of care and documentation of care. 
Knowledge of computer programs and applications. 
Knowledge of medical practices, terminology, billing and reimbursement
 Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
Computer literate, must be able to work with an EMR system while providing patient care.
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain a wide variety of internal and external cooperative working relationships.
Analytical skills necessary to plan, develop, and administer care to a wide variety of patients.
Ability to assess and treat patients with limited history and background in a timely manner.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Respond calmly and effectively in emergencies.
Make decisions within scope of training and practice. 
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
 Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards. 
Constant handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near vision.
 Frequent lift up to 25 lbs. 
Frequent standing, walking, sitting, carrying, stooping, kneeling. 
Frequent crouching, twisting, reaching, midrange vision. 
Frequent depth perception, color vision, field of vision. 
Occasional lift up to 100 or more lbs. 
Occasional pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, squatting.