GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Responsible for providing quality medical care as delegated by physicians.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assists physicians by making initial contact with patient. Performs orthopedic screening and evaluation, assembles appropriate diagnostic tests for physician review, prescribes medications, educates patient and performs treatment as directed by physician.
• Provides acute and chronic patient care including taking histories, giving injections and medications, performing sterile procedures, aspirations, pin removals and suturing, assisting in positioning patients for x-rays, and applying/removing casts, splints, orthotics and dressings.
• Assists with surgical procedures by preparing and positioning patient for surgery, assisting in set- up of room, acting as 1st or 2nd assistant during procedure, reviewing consent forms and notes to ensure correct procedure.
• Is on call with a physician on a rotating schedule.
• Complies with clinic policies and procedures on regular work attendance.

OTHER DUTIES

• Documents patient information and care in records according to clinic policies and procedures, including documenting patient progress, physician’s verbal orders, visits, phone calls and discharge summaries.
• Triages patient calls, answers questions, expedites notes needed for patient’s school or work, provides appropriate patient education on treatments or other concerns.
• Maintains effective communication with other clinic departments to aid in providing best patient care and scheduling possible.
• Provides coverage for other PAs and OAs for sick and vacation schedules.
• Assists with training of new PAs and OAs. Maintains environment conducive to satisfaction of all departmental staff.
• Attends department meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Responds to Code 99 and other emergencies.

EDUCATION

Graduate of physician assistant program approved by AAPA.

EXPERIENCE

Up to three year’s orthopedic experience in clinical and surgical settings preferred. Experience with casts, splints and other immobilization devices is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of care protocols, administration of medications, delivering physical care following treatment plan.
• Knowledge of clinic policies and procedures.
• Ability to make responsible decisions within the scope of a physician’s supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all members of clinic and surgical staff.
• Skills in communicating effectively and appropriately with patients, families, co-workers and physicians for purposes of education and treatment.
• Skills in operating equipment and tools related to orthopedic surgery and care.
• Skills in gathering and accurately analyzing patient data.

REQUIREMENTS

Certification as physician assistant, BLS and CPR certification required.

EQUIPMENT

Orthopedic surgical equipment, basic medical office equipment and tools, power tools.

SUPERVISION

Reviewed by assigned physician, podiatrists and Administrator. Under direct supervision by entire physician staff.

ADDITIONAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The job holder must demonstrate current competencies applicable to the job position.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.

Applications can be emailed to kkern@stcloudorthopedics.com