Physician Assistant (Effingham Care & Rehabilitation Center)

Description

 JOB SUMMARY

Provides direct patient care to residents under the supervision of the lead physician, within the scope of their training and expertise. Responsibilities include delivering comprehensive medical services with a focus on geriatrics, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation. Services encompass preventive care, immunizations, primary care and treatment, health education, medication prescribing, laboratory ordering and interpretation, physical examinations, and nutrition counseling. The primary objective is to deliver high-quality, holistic in-place care to minimize unnecessary hospitalizations. Oversee resident care and services in compliance with The Joint Commission standards, as well as federal, state, and local regulations, and adhere to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. Patient Assessment & Diagnosis: 

· Provides residents' care under the direct supervision and responsibility of a physician. 

· Conduct comprehensive medical histories and physical examinations to evaluate residents' conditions, functional status, mobility, and pain levels.

· Elicits detailed medical histories on all new or established residents with new problems, including physical examination and medical record review, determines tentative diagnosis, orders appropriate laboratory tests, and is responsible for transmitting that information to the supervising physician for review.

2. Treatment Planning & Management: 

· Develop, implement, and manage individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising physician and the facility's multidisciplinary team (nursing staff, physical therapists, etc.).

· Performs therapeutic procedures by administering injections and immunizations; suturing; managing wounds and infections.

· Protects residents and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

3. Ordering and Interpreting Tests: 

· Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests, such as lab work and imaging studies, to inform clinical decisions.

4. Prescribing Medication: 

· Prescribe medications and other therapeutic interventions as authorized by state law and the supervising physician's delegation agreement.

5. Monitoring Patient Progress: 

· Assess and record patient progress, making adjustments to care plans as needed to ensure continuity of care.

6. Patient and Family Education: 

· Provides guidance and support to residents and their families concerning illness or injury, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, typical growth and development, family planning, emotional challenges of daily living, preventive care, and health maintenance. 

7. Collaboration and Coordination: 

· Work effectively within the healthcare team to ensure a coordinated and seamless care pathway, communicating with specialists and other providers as needed.

· Facilitates referral of residents to other medical providers, medical facilities, or other health/social agencies when appropriate, as per the delegation of the supervising physician.

8. Documentation and Compliance: 

· Documents resident care by charting patient and department records. 

· Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential medical records in the facility's electronic health record (EHR) system, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements.

· Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. 

· Ensures compliance with federal, state, regulatory, and professional requirements by reviewing current and proposed legislation; anticipating potential legislative changes; monitoring adherence to requirements; and advising Care Center Leadership on necessary actions.

9. Rounding: 

· Conduct daily or routine rounds in the facility to manage the clinical care of the resident population and address acute or emergent issues as they arise

· Contributes to Care Center Leadership efforts by accomplishing related results as needed. 

Requirements

 Education:  Education level equivalent to completion of a BS/MA in Physician Assistant Studies, Health Science, Medical Science, or a similar relevant field. Current Physician Assistant’s Certification and current Georgia License. Have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of medicine commensurate with his/her training.

Formal Training: Strong clinical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, compassion for the geriatric population, and the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.

Licensure, Certification: Must possess a current, valid unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Georgia, an Active DEA Certificate (or eligibility), and be NCCPA Board-certified. BLS and ACLS certifications required.

Experience: Two years' experience as a PA in a Nursing home or healthcare setting. Previous experience in geriatrics, internal medicine, family medicine, or a skilled nursing facility setting is highly preferred.

Computer Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.