Physician Assistant

OVERVIEW:

Functions under the collaborative practice agreement with a physician, provides professional medical services in the community health center setting.

DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides comprehensive examination, screening, health education, and treatment of patients within the nurse specialist's scope of practice using a systematic approach to history and physical appraisal of the patient.
• Examines the patient, performs comprehensive physical examination, and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination.
• Administers or orders diagnostic tests and interprets test results for deviations from normal.
• Performs therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, and managing infections, aspirations, EKG.
• Develops and implements patient comprehensive management plans, records progress notes, and assists in provision of continuity of care.
• Prescribes drugs according to licensed prescriptive authority, dispenses supplies and prescribes other treatments (e.g. physical therapy) to aid in the management of acute and chronic health problems.
• Instructs and counsels patients regarding compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens.
• Establishes a collaborative relationship with other medical providers and specialists; determines need for consultation and assists in medical care treatment provided at the direction of other specialists.
• Documents and maintains patient records of services provided according to program standards
• Participates in education of graduate nursing students as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills for the provision of direct patient care in the practice of primary health care.
• Knowledge of the state and federal laws pertaining to patient care and to community health centers.
• Knowledge of the structure and function of community health centers.
• Skill in communicating effectively with patients and their families.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, patients and the public
• Ability to multitask and solve problems while maintaining a calm demeanor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program, with advanced skills in physical assessment and PA Certification.

Licensure/Certifications Required

• Must be licensed as a registered Physician Assistant in the state of Michigan
• State of Michigan Medical licensure
• Current DEA registration and Controlled Substances licensure (preferred)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) (or within 3 months of hire)

Work Experience

• 3 - 5 years clinical experience in the practice of Family Medicine or Internal Medicine
• Experience with an FQHC or outpatient medical facility preferred