Physician Assistant - Surgical Care

Summary

The Physician Assistant provides clinic-based care exclusively within the Pre-Operative & Pre-Procedure Clinic (COTC). The PA will function with Full Autonomy as defined by VHA Directive 1063 - appropriate to a non-procedural - non-operative assignment. As such - the PA will be in periodic contact with a collaborating physician - who is available in person - by telephone - or through other suitable means (e.g. - telehealth) for consultation regarding patient care activities.

Duties

• The PA's responsibilities in this assignment are limited to pre-operative/pre-procedure evaluation - coordination - recommendations - and documentation
• The PA is not assigned procedural duties and does not participate in operating room activities or bedside procedures as part of the Pre-Operative & Pre-Procedure Clinic (COTC) role
• The PA is authorized to write medical orders within this Scope of Practice and approved privileging - including verbal orders in emergencies
• a
• Utilize CPRS for documentation of all clinic activities and communications
• b
• Maintain a working schedule of COTC appointments
• track surgical/procedural candidates and clearance status
• ensure timely completion of pre-op requirements
• c
• Perform pre-operative/pre-procedural history and physical - document in CPRS - and communicate pertinent findings to the collaborating physician and surgical/procedural team
• d
• Coordinate pre-operative/pre-procedure testing and consults (e.g. - anesthesia - cardiology) and ensure results are reviewed and acted upon
• e
• Assist in day-to-day management of patients preparing for procedures - including order entry for diagnostics - medications - and pre-procedure preparations as indicated
• f
• Make follow-up calls or encounters to review readiness - update the record - and notify the physician responsible for significant changes in patient condition
• g
• Order appropriate pre-operative antibiotics according to written protocol
• h
• Provide patient and family education regarding the planned procedure - preparation requirements - and post-procedure expectations
• i
• Obtain and document informed consent for procedures for which the PA has sufficient knowledge of the procedure - its indications - risk and benefit profiles - complications - and alternative treatments - and when authorized by the PA's Scope of Practice
• NOTE: The PA need not participate in the particular procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo but must be authorized to perform - participate in - or assist the procedure by the Scope of Practice and must have sufficient knowledge and training to effectively counsel the patient
• j
• Identify deviations from established protocols - care standards - and clinic pathways and actively intervene to avoid/correct variances
• k
• Participate in teaching of residents and health professions trainees regarding pre-operative/pre-procedural protocols specific to COTC
• l
• Collaborate with COTC RN staff - anesthesia providers - clearing physicians - and specialty services to ensure comprehensive clearance and readiness
• The PA may also be assigned additional duties which include but are not limited to: (a) administrative duties such as quality assurance - peer review - research - and serving on various committees as directed by the section chief or administration
• (b) education of health profession trainees and students
• (c) preventive medicine programs and related duties
• (d) emergency preparedness
• and (e) other non-clinical tasks as necessary
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized