PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Pension Plan

Paid Holidays and Vacation

Job summary

Cook County Health is seeking a Surgery Physician Assistant to deliver exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population. Responsibilities include evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and assisting in surgery.

The ideal candidate must have a degree from an accredited PA program and board certification. They should possess excellent surgical skills and work collaboratively within a healthcare team.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program.
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois required.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-quality patient care for surgery patients.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests.
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Skills

Patient care

Surgical procedures

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Clinical assessment

Education

Graduate of ARC Physician Assistant program

Board Certified by NCCPA

Job description

John H. Stroger Hospital, Department of Surgery.

Job Summary

The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA), in collaboration with a Surgery Physician, provides exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population and provides support to other divisions of surgery as needed. The PA in Surgery evaluates patients and develops assessment plans, places orders and develops treatment plans in the outpatient surgery clinics. The PA completes the preoperative assessment, assists the Surgery Attending in surgery, and follows the patient post‑operatively. The PA communicates with patients and families regarding education for wound care, diet and exercise. The PA orders necessary supplies for the procedures, performs outpatient procedures including but not limited to casting, splinting, mole removal and punch biopsies. The PA demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery. Performs all duties with the legal guidelines of the Physician Assistant Practice Act and Cook County Health policies.

Typical Duties

• Works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high quality patient care for surgery patients
• Provides independent preoperative physical assessment, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of surgery indications
• Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to consult with a physician
• Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated; performs simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, management of wounds, incision and drainage, suture and staple placement and removal, aspirations and injections
• Performs primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic
• Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated
• Assesses, diagnoses and treats adult patients
• Provides and manages direct patient care
• Conducts patient’s health needs assessments
• Obtains comprehensive history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis
• Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. X‑ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.
• Informs and effectively communicates patient test results and/or diagnosis
• Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable
• Assists in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery
• Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
• Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes
• Performs pain management and understands when to administer appropriate techniques and methods in anesthesia, advanced wound management, diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, diagnostic radiology interpretation, operative/perioperative care

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program is required
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment is required
• Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment is required
• Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrates good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Demonstrates analytical and organizational, problem‑solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrates attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPAA for Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel so classified.

Veteran Preference

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question “Are you a Military Veteran?”
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing). Submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.
• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
• Veterans must provide original applicable discharge papers or applicable state ID card or driver’s license at time of interview.
• If items are not attached, the applicant will not be eligible for Veteran Preference.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Credentialing Requirements

Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluations Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

• Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to include a State of Illinois MD license and any other license, certification, or specialized training, etc., no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date.
• Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre‑employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing, or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Cook County Health and Hospitals System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.