The Physician Assistant (PA) serves as a practicing PA who is responsible for the overall management of otolaryngology Surgery Service patients in the Tennessee Valley Health Healthcare System (TVHS). The PA is responsible for clinical duties and tasks associated with clinic operations, provides leadership and direction to support staff and works closely with, and under authorization of the supervising physicians.
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. Physician Assistant 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. Preferred Experience: Knowledge, skills, experience in otolaryngology clinic or operating room. 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. 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. 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 Grade 3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 1 to 3. 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.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The Surgery Service PA shall be proficient within privileged scope of practice for Surgery. Specifically, the provider should possess the expertise and competency to perform the following: Coordinates care of ENT surgical patients at TVHS. Responds to Secure messaging inquiries within the timeframe specified by TVHS. May assist the surgeon in the operating room, including prepping and draping, and first or second assist in surgery when requested. Perform focused histories and physical exams, admission orders, aftercare plans, and discharge summaries for surgical patients. Provides appropriate documentation to minimally include history, physical exam findings, diagnosis, definitive care plan and disposition of the patient. Perform office procedures contained within their approved privileges. Makes daily rounds to observe and record each surgical patient's medical progress, updating and summarizing medical records, changing orders when appropriate, and notifying the responsible physician of significant changes in the patient's condition. Prescribe medications as appropriate. Order routine laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests and provide initial interpretation of results. Communicate test results to patients. Respond to questions and other inquiries from patients. Provide education to the patient and family as appropriate. Order immunizations and other preventive or screening services as necessary. Screen patients to determine the need for hospitalization. Maintain competence and certification and perform basic life support as necessary. Satisfactorily completes mandated TMS training per hospital policy. Communicate clinical findings to other providers using the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Function as a preceptor for nurse practitioner/physician assistant students in the clinic setting as assigned by TVHS. Treats patients 18 years of age or greater. Attend and/or represents the surgical team in meetings/committees. Consistently communicates and treats customers, veterans, their representatives, visitors and all VA staff in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. The PA 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, Surgery Service Providers 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 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 automations 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 Access or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop and changes 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. Electronically tracks various components of care to promote a higher level of care coordination. Complies with the Medical Center By-laws and the Rules and Regulations of the Medical Staff. The full scope of practice 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: May be available per agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized