DEPARTMENT: Regional Spine Surgery
SCHEDULE: Full time regular, 40 hrs/week, Day shift, Monday-Friday with weekend rotations. Shift may vary depending on operational needs. Willing to work in excess of scheduled hours (compensated).
EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Graduate of an approved primary care physician assistant or surgical physician assistant program approved by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Licensed as a Physician Assistant by the Medical Board of California (M.B.C.) and the Physician Assistant Examining Committee (P.A.E.C.). Advanced Certification in specialty area, preferred. BLS certification required. Current BLS for healthcare provider (level C).
Must have a Nat'l Provider Identifier (NPI), or obtain an NPI, prior to employment start date.
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction and supervision of a physician who is a specialist (eg. orthopedics, surgery, emergency medicine), the Physician Assistant II provides high quality, cost-effective patient care by performing surgical preparation procedures, peri-operative and post- operative procedures, and assists in performing surgical and other procedures. A Physician Assistant II may work in the operating room or emergency department in addition to having responsibilities for outpatient clinic and hospital ward duties. May take call for patients under the supervision of a physician.
QUALIFICATIONS: One year previous experience in the last five years as a physician assistant. May be required to possess specialty skills to perform tasks required by the specific department (e.g. neurosurgery, orthopedics, etc). Must be able to work in a Labor-Management Partnership environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Certification required. Demonstrated ability to perform as a surgical first assistant. Current experience as a surgical PA with an OR focus. Ability to make complete, accurate patient assessments and to document completely, accurately, concisely and legibly. Possess good organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to work well under pressure. Willingness to accept and incorporate constructive criticism and direction. Strong oral and written communication skills, including excellent telephone technique. Demonstrated strong clinical and leadership skills and the ability to make good independent decisions. Demonstrated current knowledge of medication, dosage, and side effects. Willing to work in excess of scheduled hours (compensated). Will consider new graduate with previous experience in spine surgery.
DUTIES: Performs admission evaluation on new patients to include: obtaining basic medical information and history, reviewing patient's medical record, performing physical exam, transcribing history and medical findings into patient medical record, and reporting deviations from normal findings to attending physician. Provides patient and family with pre-operative and other pertinent education. Answers questions regarding surgery, recovery and risk factor modification, procedures; provides blood transfusion information; performs surgical peri-operative procedures; locates and utilizes x-rays, instruments and pertinent patient information. Reviews patient chart noting allergies, pertinent medical history, and abnormal physical findings. Assists in performing surgical procedures and other procedures consistent with the standards of care and practice guidelines: Depending on the specialty, may work as the first assist during surgical procedures, start IV?s, and/or perform suturing. Performs post-operative procedures to include transcption of standard post-operative orders into patient medical records; assists physicians with evaluation and management of patient's status during recovery; reviews vital signs, laboratory and x-ray studies; assists with technical management of patients. Performs patient discharge in conjunction with social worker, pharmacist, and physical therapist; dictates discharge and transfer summaries in a timely manner.
DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES: First assist in the O.R., including emergencies. Make hospital rounds on post-op patients to provide current data to surgeons. Perform history and physical exams and post-op exams as necessary. Develop positive working relationship with surgeons and clinic, O.R., and hospital staff.
Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to reevaluate and change job descptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status. Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.
Consistently supports compliance and the Principles of Responsibility (KP?s code of conduct) by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements, and KP policies and procedures.
In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental/organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.
PLEASE NOTE: - Kaiser Permanente is an AA/EEO employer -
