Physician Assistant

Full Job Description

Physician Assistants (PA) serve as practicing providers and are responsible for the overall management of the medical care for patients enrolled in the Tennessee Valley Health Care System.

In addition to clinical care, PAs are responsible for administrative tasks associated with clinic operations and provide leadership and support to all clinical and non-clinical staff.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

English Language Proficiency-Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience: At lease two years of Primary Care experience.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) (a) Experience and Education.

None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: i.

Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical. iii.

Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.

Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) (a) Experience and Education.

The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below.

Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving.

Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii.

Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S.

Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: i.

Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. iii.

Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patientcare including telehealth medical care. iv.

Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.

Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) (a) Experience and Education.

PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multidisciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system.

They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes.

They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students.

Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii.

Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S.

Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR iii.

A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III: i.

Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. ii.

Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).

iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. iv.

Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. v.

Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.

vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 3.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 01 to 03.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction.

This position involves considerable standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning.

It requires repositioning patients and assisting with transferring patients to wheelchairs/stretchers. Mechanical devices when available are required to be used for heavy or difficult to lift patients.

The work may involve pushing or lifting weight more than 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs.

The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective care. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Major Duties:

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The PA, Float Primary Care Provider shall be proficient in all aspects of the general practice of Primary Care.

Specifically, the provider should possess the expertise and competency to perform the following: Fully implements the components and processes relative to the VHA Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) healthcare system design.

Coordinates care for a panel of outpatients as assigned by TVHS. Evaluates and treats acute and chronic health problems for scheduled and unscheduled patients in the clinic setting.

Performs histories and physical exams. Provides appropriate documentation to minimally include history, physical exam findings, diagnosis, definitive care plan and disposition of the patient.

Ensures that patient encounters are appropriately closed-out including disposition that clearly indicates the next steps of care.

Ensures that each patient is provided a list of current medications and an appointment list at close-out. Performs office procedures contained within their approved scope of practice.

Prescribes medications as appropriate. Orders routine laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests and provides initial interpretation of results. Communicates test results to patients.

Responds to questions and other inquiries from patients. Initiates or expedites requests for consultations and special tests. Provides education to the patient and family as necessary.

Orders immunizations and other preventive or screening services as necessary. Screens patients to determine the need for hospitalization. Performs Basic Life Support as necessary.

Communicates clinical findings to other providers using the Computerized Patient Record System.

Treats patients 18 years of age or greater Consistently communicates and treats customers, Veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner.

The PA, Float Primary Care Provider will provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures and will handle conflicts and problems when dealing with customers constructively and appropriately.

The PA, Float Primary Care Provider will protect printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws Federal Regulations, VA statures and policy and VHA policy.

The PA, Float Primary Care Provider protects data from unauthorized release, or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion and follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes, etc.

Uses MS Word or comparable word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers, inserting and deleting text; formatting letters, reports and memoranda, and transmitting and receiving e-mail.

Uses MS Excel or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop and change spreadsheets in order to graphically display data.

Uses MS Access or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop and change spreadsheets in order to graphically display data monthly.

Uses MS PowerPoint or other comparable graphics to develop presentation materials.

Uses the Veterans Health Information & Technology Architecture (VISTA) and Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.

Uses data sets contained in the VHA Almanac, Compass. EQM, and High Risk Registries to identify and more highly manage patients.

Electronically tracks various components of care to promote a higher level of care coordination.

Maximizes the use of virtual care modalities such as Home Telemedicine, Secure Messaging and e-Consults to enhance access to care.

Complies with the Medical Center By-laws and the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Staff.

The full scope of practice or privileges that a specific provider may perform is defined through the medical center credentialing and privileging process Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Tour of duty is based on needs of the service Telework: Ad-hoc only per agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized