The Physician Assistant - Gastroenterology will conduct patient evaluations including clinical history, physical examination, and ordering of standard diagnostic laboratory and radiographic studies for both inpatients and outpatients.
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. Preferred Experience: Experience with gastrointestinal disease management (e.g. dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome -constipation/diarrhea, chronic abdominal pain) is preferred. 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):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):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-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 patient care 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):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 PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds) to Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds) Light carrying (under 15 pounds) Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (2-4 hours) Standing (2-4 hours) Both legs required Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors
VA offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Package. The Physician Assistant is authorized to perform the following procedures on a routine basis without individual prior consultation with the managing physician: Provide ongoing outpatient and inpatient care for assigned patients. Perform periodic physical examinations on nursing home and domiciliary residents. Screen outpatients to determine need for further care. Prescribe medications within defined scope of practice. Order diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKGs). Carry out health promotion and disease prevention activities. Draw blood specimens for testing and performing other comparable lab procedures. Initiate and expedite requests for consultations and schedule special tests and studies. Make daily rounds to observe and record each patient's medical progress, updating, and summarizing medical records. Change orders when appropriate and notify the responsible physician of significant changes in the patient's condition. Make interim summaries of the patient's medical record. Dictate discharge summaries. The supervising physician must sign the discharge summary. Dictate notes on procedures performed for which the PA is responsible. Provide education and counseling of the patient and family in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm; subject to change based on the needs of the facility Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized