Under the supervision of a Primary Care MD, the Physician Assistant (PA) provides patient care in accordance with RLR VAMC Medical Center Memorandum, the Veterans Health Administration rules and regulations and within the scope of their state license as a PA. The PA practices as an agent of their supervising physician and must engage in a scope of practice agreement with a physician supervisor who is a member of the RLR VAMC medical 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. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements 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. Grade Determinations Requirements: To qualify at the Physician Assistant-I grade applicants must meet the following requirements: Experience and Education: None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. 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. To qualify at the Physician Assistant-II grade applicants must meet the following requirements: 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: Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. To qualify at the Physician Assistant-III grade applicants must meet the following requirements: Experience and Education: PAs at the PA-Ill 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: Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 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. 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-Ill: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. 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). Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. 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. 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 Physician Assistant III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Physician Assistant I to Physician Assistant III . Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); light lifting (under 15 pounds); straight pulling (1/4 hours); pulling hand over hand (4 hours); pushing (4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 8 hours); standing (up to 8 hours); kneeling (up to 4 hours); repeated bending (8 hours); both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The primary duties of the Physician Assistant- Primary Care position include but are not limited to: Performing history and physical exams, and appropriately documenting noted findings and recommendations in the medical chart, as part of the Primary Care service. Provide and coordinate all medical and interventional care for assigned patients in any care setting, including establishing diagnoses, formulating and implementing care plans, writing orders, and follow up care coordination. Ordering diagnostic studies such as labs, imaging studies, or any other appropriate diagnostic study deemed necessary for patient care. Ordering consults to other services (ie anesthesia, oncology, surgery, cardiology, pathology, pharmacy, social services, etc.) for patient evaluation and management as deemed necessary for patient care. Screening patients to determine the need for further health care. Ordering or obtaining laboratory specimens. Ordering patient care supplies. Writing orders for or prescribing medications. Provide education and counseling for patient's and family members with regards to primary care needs, risks-benefits-alternatives, preventive care, medical conditions, and ongoing-future treatment plans. Maintains patient records and files. Follow HIPPA guidelines regarding patient information. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30AM- 4:00PM, Monday- Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized