PA-Orthopedics-2

South Shore Health; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 103,320 - 151,536; Part time

Job summary

South Shore Health in Weymouth is hiring a part-time Physician Assistant to evaluate and treat patients under the guidance of orthopedic services. The role requires collaboration with the healthcare team, assisting in surgeries, and participating in patient care programs.

Key responsibilities include managing musculoskeletal conditions and contributing to patient readmission reduction. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, a PA license, and experience in acute medicine or orthopedics. The position offers a competitive compensation of $75.00 – $110.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited PA training program are preferred.
• Professional PA license required.
• Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal conditions in patients.
• Assist in orthopedic surgery and collaborate with hospital teams.
• Participate in readmission reduction initiatives.

Skills

ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions

Exceptional organizational and time-management skills

Basic radiation safety competency

Professional judgment under the direction of a licensed physician

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Completion of an accredited Advanced Physician Assistant training program

Job description

Under the directions of the Chair of Orthopedic Services and the Executive Director of APCs, the Physician Assistant of South Shore Health System evaluates, diagnoses and treats patients following written guidelines approved by the Department of Orthopedics. This part‑time position provides care to adult and pediatric patients in orthopaedic units, trauma, joint replacement, the Fragile Fracture Program, and the Geriatric Fracture Program. Responsibilities include first or second assist in the operating room, collaboration with the hospitalist team, and participation in readmission reduction initiatives.

Compensation: $75.00 – $110.00 per hour.

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Receiving general direction from the Medical Director — Surgical Services, Chairman — Orthopedic Services, Executive Director — APCs, Lead Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Executive Director – Musculoskeletal Service Line, the PA will assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions throughout admission and discharge of patients. The PA will also be a highly skilled clinician participating with the Orthopedic and Hospital Medicine Care Team in the Emergency Department, Orthopedic Inpatient Unit(s) and function as first assist in the operating room.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education – Preferred: Bachelor’s degree, completion of an Advanced Physician Assistant training program from an accredited institution approved by the AMA, and recertification as required to maintain licensure.
• Minimum Work Experience: Acute Medicine and/or Orthopedic experience preferred.
• Required Licenses / Registrations: Physician Assistant (PA) license.
• Required Classes / Skills: ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
• Required Additional Knowledge, And Abilities:
  • Ability to care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions who may also have any range of medical problems.
  • Maturity, self‑confidence and ability to follow complex patient management plans directed by the attending physician.
  • Eligibility for state and federally controlled substances registration.
  • Knowledge and skills for age‑appropriate care on assigned unit.
  • Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills with flexibility for multiple tasks.
  • Commitment to quality improvement and efficient practice.
  • Basic radiation safety competency during fluoroscopic procedures and annual training.
  • Broad knowledge of the medical, surgical and performance goals of the orthopedic services.
  • Professional judgment under the direction of a licensed physician.
  • Ability to accept instruction, assume graded responsibility in complex teamwork and solve problems within legal limits.
  • Professional attitude toward patients and collegial working relationship with other personnel.

Working Conditions

Position Hours: Typically Monday through Friday with potential rotating weekend days and weekend/holiday coverage as determined by departmental needs.

Essential Functions – Clinical Responsibilities

• Obtain detailed medical history and perform comprehensive physical exam for patients admitted for elective, non‑elective and trauma orthopedic procedures.
• Implement orthopaedic surgery care plans including writing orders, transfer orders, wound care, dressing changes, cast/splint application, and fracture reductions.
• Collaborate with hospitalist team on co‑managed patients.
• Order diagnostic tests, consultations and procedures as indicated.
• Perform or assist in routine and complex procedures and serve as first or second assist in the operating room.
• Identify and manage chronic medical conditions, proactively preventing complications.
• Apply current peri‑operative cardiovascular risk guidelines (e.g., RCRI, ACS‑NSQIP) and optimize pre‑operative patients.
• Prescribe medications in accordance with current practice guidelines and write complete comprehensive notes on all patients using the electronic system.
• Facilitate timely care including scheduling of procedures for Geriatric Fracture Program patients.
• Participate actively in the South Shore Health System readmission reduction efforts.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, PT/OT and case management to develop and facilitate care plans.
• Provide urgent evaluation for patients with changes in clinical status.
• Operate fluoroscopy equipment safely and achieve certification within one year of hire.

Situations That Require Referral or Consultation

• Obtain referrals or consultations when the attending physician deems necessary for any medical or surgical problem outside the supervising physician’s scope of practice.

Delegation Of Supervising Physician Responsibilities

• The supervising physician or approved MD designee directs the PA’s work in accordance with state and national guidelines.
• An MD may delegate only duties within the supervising physician’s scope of practice.
• The PA follows all state and national mandates related to emergency patient management.

Scope of Prescriptive Practice

Prescriptive practice conforms to the Massachusetts State Controlled Substance Act, Department of Public Health statutes and the Board of Registration for Physician Assistants. The supervising physician reviews prescribing on a quarterly basis. The PA may prescribe medications in Classes II–V.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in Monthly Orthopedic Staff Meetings and Joint/Geriatric Fracture Program Team Meetings.
• Engage in continuing education to maintain or enhance knowledge and skills.
• Ensure accurate billing in accordance with hospital policy.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Frequent standing and walking required; no driving. Frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, bending required; light lifting up to 25 lbs. Use of hands and feet necessary. Provides frequent activity during days/evenings.