PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT III NEUROLOGY

Evaluates, examines, diagnose, and treats patients in collaboration with their supervising and or substitute supervising physician according to established guidelines and protocols. Maintains and promotes the well-being of the patient through preventative healthcare and guidance. Provides care primarily in the outpatient clinic setting.  Ensures the assessment of the patient and the direct and indirect care of the patient is delivered in accordance with all appropriate licensing boards, hospital policies, procedures, and all other professional standards.

Core Essential Functions:

1. Regular, consistent, on-site, and timely attendance.
   2. Ensures the assessment of the patient and the direct and indirect care of the patient is delivered in accordance with all appropriate licensing boards, hospital policies, procedures, and all other professional standards.
   a. Collects patient assessment data in a systematic manner, focusing on the physical, psychosocial, age, cultural and spiritual needs of the patient.
   b. Performs systematic physical exam and history of present illness.
   c. Documents assessment data, history of present illness and physical findings as appropriate in the medical record within established time frame.
   d. Involves patient and family and other healthcare providers when appropriate directed by individual physician practice.
   e. Prescribes appropriate medications based on the patient's condition per state prescriptive authority guidelines and the Excela Health Allied Health Committee directed by individual physician practice.
   3. Demonstrate leadership by utilizing the behaviors inherent to the practice of a professional physician assistant.
   a. Solves problems utilizing critical thinking skills and seeks assistance from supervising physician as appropriate
   b. Maintains accountability for actions taken
   c. Effectively functions as a resource person
   d. Functions as a patient advocate
   e. Performs effectively in the role of preceptor for new employees
   f. Assists in maintaining/decreasing organizational costs.
   g. Completes competencies required annually.
   4. Assists in the department's compliance with state, JCAHO, OSHA and other regulatory agencies
   a. Assists in the preparation for surveys/inspections
   b. Participates in the non-punitive medication reporting system.
   c. Ensures accountability for narcotics per regulatory requirements.
   d. Participates in health system/office fire, safety, utility, hazard, and disaster drills.
   5. Provides patient safety in compliance with nursing, hospital, and physician practice guidelines and policies.
   a. Utilizes two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care
   b. Assumes appropriate code team role during emergency situations
   c. Responds effectively during emergency situations
   d. Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, visitors and staff
   e. Adheres to infection control processes, including standard precautions to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
   f. Practices the National Patient Safety Goals.
   6. Participates in unit performance activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care and customer service
   a. Identifies initiatives to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, or effectiveness.
   b. Assists in chart reviews/audits as needed for performance improvement data collection.
   c. Supports initiatives implemented to improve patient outcomes and/or office efficiencies.
   7. Manages the physical and psychological problems of the patient.
   a. Identifies normal and abnormal findings.
   b. Implements a plan of treatment and reassesses as needed directed by individual physician practice.
   c. Evaluates the physical and emotional responses to medications and treatments.
   d. Prescribes immunization per recommended schedules directed by individual physician practice.
   e. Seeks appropriate consultation with others of the healthcare team.
   8. Communicates effectively with physician supervisor and other healthcare providers to achieve desired outcomes and assures a continuous flow of patient care.
   a. Initiates and maintains problem list and medication lists.
   b. Assesses and facilitates consultation when indicated.
   c. Directs patients to appropriate level of care and communicates all pertinent information in a timely organized manner.
   d. Assists in identifying and utilizing resources and or social agencies for further treatment or rehabilitation.

Specialty Essential Functions:

• Perform clinical responsibilities in a manner that maximizes patient care and outcomes.
• Assume appropriate code team role during emergency situations and respond effectively.
• Facilitate timely treatment of abnormal labs or other relevant findings.
• Develop workflow patterns to facilitate patient transfers or discharges.
• Participate in outcome management and Press Ganey scores.
• In collaboration with the physician, interview, evaluate and assess patients in the clinic setting.
• Evaluate patient's current status providing recommendations for ongoing treatment. Assesses for alternate levels of care as necessary.
• Adjust medication as indicated.
• Provide patient/family education regarding medication, rationale for use and possible side effects.
• Collaborate with the supervising physician and or substitute supervising physician and members of the treatment team to achieve desired outcomes and to assure continuous flow of patient care.
• Alert the treatment team to any significant changes in the patient's status.
• Within prescribed time frames, review treatment goals and objectives with patients making modifications as appropriate.
• Communicate pertinent information timely and efficiently to the supervising physician.
• Document in the medical record, record patient's current mental status, document all screenings and assessments performed, record medication changes, prescriptions written and samples provided, document patient's complaints, concerns and questions as appropriate, document any/all telephone contact with patients, families, pharmacists or physicians, record beginning and end times of each session, and sign and date all documentation.
• Demonstrate leadership by utilizing the concepts inherent to the practice of a professional physician assistant.
• Demonstrate an ability to problem solve independently utilizing critical thinking skills and seek assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
• Perform effectively in the role of preceptor/mentor to new hire/students.
• Participate in Performance Improvement activities designed to enhance the quality of patient care, customer service, or practice efficiencies.
• Identify initiatives to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Assist in chart review/audits as needed for performance improvement data collection.
• Support initiatives implemented to improve patient outcomes and or efficiencies.
• Provide patient safety in compliance with hospital and or physician practice policies.
• Adhere to infection control processes, including standard precautions, to reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting infections.
• Utilize two forms of patient identification before implementing any form of patient care.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) or more years of neurology experience.
• Prior training/experience within previous 2-3 years in trigger point injections and Botox injections.