Orthopedic Physician Assistant

Hospital looking for an Orthopaedic Physician Assistant. Responsible for providing care to all patients, including history and physical examinations, patient education, diagnosing and treating common ailments, and stabilizing emergencies prior to transit to hospital.

Primary Duties and responsibilities:

 Reports to Lead Physician for clinical performance.

 Reports to Office Manager for Administrative functions.

 Provides direct and/or indirect care to a specialized caseload of patients; Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care.

 a. Evaluation and Treatment of Acute, Chronic and Traumatic Musculoskeletal Disorders in Adult and Pediatric patients in the Clinic, Operating Room and Emergency Department

b. After hours work in conjunction with the supervising surgeon on scheduled surgical cases.

c. Weekend call with a surgeon available by phone.

d. Ongoing inpatient management and post-operative care after initial evaluation or phone discussion with supervising or secondary supervising surgeon within the scope of practice of the supervising surgeon

e. Normal evaluation and treatment will include those interventions that are normally within the scope of practice of Orthopaedic Surgery including but not limited to:

A. Performance of preoperative and admission history and physical exam

B. Emergency Room evaluations and treatments

C. Assist in surgery at the discretion of the operative supervising surgeon.

D. Order and interpret laboratory and radiographic exams

E. Conduct hospital rounds and perform evaluations of hospitalized patients

F. Provide fracture and dislocation reductions

G. Perform joint aspirations and injections

H. Wound incision and drainage

I. Wound suturing/laceration repairs

J. Administration of local and digital block anesthesia

K. Compartment pressure measurement

L. Steinmann pin placement and removals

M. Cast, splint and brace applications and removal

N. K-wire removal

O. Hardware removal

P. Insert intravenous lines, urinary catheters, and obtain arterial and venous samples.

Q. Initiate appropriate resuscitative measures in the event of an emergency in the office and in the hospital, in accordance with hospital policy.

R. Order writing authority to include medications, diagnostic studies and therapeutic treatments

S. Write hospital progress notes and discharge summaries.

T. Perform other duties as delegated by supervising physicians submitted to and approved by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice.

U. Prescribe medications in accordance with the scope of practice submitted to and approved by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice.

V. Prescribe controlled drugs in accordance with the scope of practice submitted to and approved by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice.

II. Surgical Responsibilities:

 a. All implant selection and placement decisions will be the responsibility of the operating surgeon.

b. Perform Pre-operative and Pre-admission History and Physical Exams and, after discussion of treatment and surgical plan with supervising surgeon, write pre-operative admission orders.

c. Direct surgical assistance as would normally be expected of a surgical first assist.

d. Coordinate and arrange for appropriate surgical positioning and instrumentation and graft procurement

e. Position patient for surgical procedures

f. Prepare and drape patient for surgical procedures

g. Perform simple surgical approaches and establish arthroscopic portals

h. Placement of drains

i. Closure of surgical incisions and wounds

j. Application of post-operative dressings, braces, splints and casts

k. The surgical PA will be expected to coordinate surgical scheduling with supervising surgeons and arrange for appropriate implants for surgical cases.

 Documents activities in the patient medical record.

Record level of care using CPT and HCFA evaluation/management guidelines.

 Promotes continuity of care within the institution by working collaboratively with her physician supervisors.

 Provides consultation for nursing and other disciplines.

Seeks input from members of the health care team in appropriate situations.

 Seeks to effect changes to enhance optimum nursing practice.

 Identifies and implements teaching programs for patients and families based on their specific needs.

 Develops, conducts and participates in formal in-service programs in personal area of expertise.

 Conducts educational seminars at various surrounding towns and schools, e.g. drug and alcohol abuse, etc. as requested.

 Assumes responsibility for own continuing education.

 Demonstrates professional commitment through membership in specialty organizations.

 Performs tasks, as requested by supervising physician.

 Participates in the development, implementation, and review of procedures and policies and annual program review as requested.

 Arranges for or refers patients to needed services.

 Provides emergency care, as necessary.

 Responsible to supervising physician/Medical Director.

 Assures that patient health records are maintained with concise, legible, and pertinent documentation.

 Promotes positive image of the practice.

 Adheres to professional ethical standards.

 Maintains professional appearance.

 Job Requirements: 

Completion of an accredited program for physicians assistants. Appropriate licensing or registration. Preferably 3-5 years of experience, with emphasis on family care. Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, other health-care providers, and parents.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines