Physician Assistant (Hospitalist)

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Chelsea (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States is seeking a Physician Assistant to support inpatient and outpatient care within the VA system. Responsibilities include taking medical histories, performing physical exams, admitting and discharging patients, and coordinating care with the treatment team.

The role requires certification in BLS, ACLS, and PALS where applicable, with strong emphasis on patient education and health promotion.

Qualifications

• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS certification (as applicable).
• Active Physician Assistant license or credentialing as per state requirements.
• Strong clinical assessment and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations on inpatients and outpatients.
• Admitting and discharging patients.
• Carrying out health promotion and patient education activities.
• Completing discharge summaries and documenting operative notes.
• Ordering diagnostic tests and ancillary services as appropriate.
• Providing and coordinating medical care and follow-up for assigned patients.
• Signing orders for medications within Scope of Practice and ensuring proper consent.

Skills

BLS certification

ACLS certification

PALS certification

Job description

Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Duties

• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package
• The core elements for a PA Scope of Practice may include - but are not limited to: Obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations on inpatients and outpatients
• Admitting and discharging patients
• Carrying out health promotion - disease prevention - and patient education activities
• Completing discharge summaries
• Document operative notes if the PA was present for the procedure
• The operative surgeon must review and co-sign the note
• Participation and documentation of Life Sustaining Treatment Goals of Therapy discussions - including DNR/DNAR orders
• Making daily rounds to observe and record each patient's medical progress - updating and summarizing medical records - and changing orders when appropriate
• Obtain and document informed consent for procedures for which the PA is an integral member of the treatment team performing the procedure such as assisting the primary surgeon ( note: The PA needs not participate in the particular procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo but the PA must be authorized to perform or participate in the procedure by the Scope of Practice and must have sufficient knowledge and training in the treatment procedure - its indications - risks and benefits - complications - and alternative treatment - to counsel the patient)
• Obtain and document informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the PA is responsible
• Ordering ancillary services - such as - pharmacy - social services - physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies - prosthetic services - etc
• Ordering diagnostic studies and other special tests - such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Computerized Tomography (CT) scans - etc
• Ordering patient care supplies
• Ordering VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non-VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures
• Perform Compensation and Pension Evaluations
• Performing periodic physical examinations on nursing home and domiciliary residents
• Provide education and counseling of the patients and families in preventive care - medical conditions - and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs
• Providing and coordinating medical care for assigned patients in any care setting - including establishing diagnoses - formulating - and implementing care plans - and providing follow-up care
• Writing orders for or prescribing medications within defined Scope of Practice (see attached)
• Current BLS - ACLS - PALS certification (as applicable)
• Signs death certificates as permitted by state and local law
• Work Schedule: Full-Time - Variable
• Shifts are typically 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Night (6:00 pm - 6:00 am) weekend and holiday shifts are required as well
• Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• EDRP Authorized: Contact Karen Chapman [e-mail] - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
• Bargaining Unit: This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position.