Physician Assistant (Surgery)

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education.

None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs). i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical. iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.

Physician Assistant-II (PA-II)Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving.

Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR, ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR, iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.

Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes.

They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR, ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S.

Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR, iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs). i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. ii.

Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE). iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. iv.

Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes. vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.

01Grade Determinations

In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is 3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 1 to 3.

02Physical Requirements

Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Night/Weekend The PA is responsible for prescribing medical treatment and providing personal care services to the veteran population. Care is based on Veterans Health Administration, and national standards and outcomes research.

Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition, collaborating with medical management team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes, and providing a full range of physician assistant care to patients with a variety of physical problems. Duties include but not limited to: Clinical Duties: 1.

Management of surgical inpatients; including patients on the ward, transitional care units, and intensive care units (including documentation of care in the medical record). a. The Surgical PA will notify the Chief resident (or Fellow) of any change in a patient's medical status or when alterations to treatment are needed. 2. Evaluate surgical consults in the hospital or emergency department. 3. Provide surgical coverage on-call a.

Perform simple surgical procedures such as wound vac changes, surgical wound debridement, wound care, triage surgical problems, perform compartment pressure assessment, and assist in the operating room. 4. Provide surgical coverage as part of the code team. 5. Additional duties as assigned. Emergency Duties: 1. Treatment of respiratory failure. 2. Treatment of life-threatening traumatic injuries 3. Additional duties as assigned. Miscellaneous Duties: 1.

Instruction of medical and allied health students assigned to Night/Weekend Section, as necessary. 2. Administrative duties such a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), peer review, serving on various committees and may be directed by service chief or Chief of Staff. 3. Clinical research, if approved by Service Chief. 4. In-service seminars to hospital staff members. 5. Assisting in the maintenance of a surgical waiting list, contacting future patients and referring physician. 6. Additional duties as assigned.