Physician Assistant- Orthopedic Associates of Meadville- Full Time

Summary of Position:   Work as part of a team to provide care to orthopedic patients under the direction of OAM physicians. 

Duties and Job Responsibilities:

• Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
• Make diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients
• Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
• Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, imaging studies, electrocardiograms, nuclear studies and laboratory tests.
• Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
• Perform therapeutic procedures, such as administering injections, suturing, foreign body removal, reduction of fractures, applying casts and splints, wound care and infection management.
• Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
• Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
• Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds, updating charts, ordering therapy and communicating with physician regarding patients.
• Triage patients and direct support staff regarding scheduling of patients.
• First assist in surgery as needed.
• Communicate and interact effectively with patients and families, physicians, peers and other health team members to maximize successful patient outcomes.
• Respond to telephone calls and messages from patients, insurance companies and staff courteously and promptly with an emphasis on effective resolution.

Duties and Job Responsibilities (Cont’d):

• Maintain upward communication with Team Leader.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patient and staff related information.
• Follow safety guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Credentials and Skills:

• Current NCCPA certification.
• Current CPR and defibrillator certification.
• Excellent patient care skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Verbal and written skills necessary to communicate clearly and professionally with coworkers, patients, insurance companies and physician office personnel.
• Project and maintain a positive image in telephone interactions with external system support staff, insurance companies, users and coworkers and maintain an appearance of composure under stressful situations.
• Visual acuity, color vision, hearing acuity and tactile sensation are necessary to perform physical assessment or the patient including the ability to perform the following: obtain vital signs, respond to patient reports and requests; describe wounds, drainages, lesions, etc.; read labels, gauges, dials and equipment alarms; perceive changes in skin color; identify medications and solutions; and administer medications and injections.

Other Qualifications:          

• Ability to work as a team member of various work groups and multi-disciplinary problem solving teams.
• Ability to hear and communicate via telephone with patients and staff.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, work independently without close supervision and respond to concerns of others with tact.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties, shifting suddenly to new tasks as priorities change, adjusting work schedule to reflect changing situations and requirements.
• Ability to concentrate in a busy work area.

Foundational Values:        

• Observe and comply with OAM Core Values.
• Complete dictation and chart entries in a timely manner.
• Provide professional and friendly atmosphere.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Introduce self when greeting patients and visitors in person or via telephone.
• Follow appropriate chain of command for reporting issues such as grievances, patient complaints and staffing issues.
• Use time effectively.
• Treat all people fairly regardless of age, race, sex, disability, religion, etc.

Physical requirements:  The employee is regularly required to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time; walk and stoop, knee; and talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.  Must possess the degree of total body strength and flexibility necessary to assist patients with transfers and mobility; occasionally may need to push/pull in excess of 200 pounds when transporting patients in wheelchairs.  Must be able to stretch, reach and retrieve equipment and supplies.  Visual acuity, color vision, hearing acuity and ability to perform the following:  obtain vital signs; respond to patient reports and requests; describe wounds, drainages, lesions, etc; read labels, gauges, dials and equipment alarms; perceive changes in skin color; identify medications and solutions; administer medications and injections.