CO Sr. Physician Assistant

The Department of Emergency Medicine is seeking aSenior Physician Assistantto work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary health care team. Responsible for complex, standardized, patient care procedures that require experience and specialized training that would otherwise be performed by a physician. Educates patients and families in matters pertaining to health maintenance, disease prevention and appropriate measures in acute and chronic illness. Direct supervision from appropriate licensed physician as designated.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Perform a comprehensive, accurate history and physical including chief compliant, presenting signs and symptoms, and past medical history and interval history. Recognize differences between normal and abnormal findings in H & P. Significant findings are validated or discussed with a physician as appropriate. Order and interpret laboratory tests, x-rays, diets, physical therapy, inhalation therapy or other services when delegated by a supervising physician. Abnormal findings are discussed with a physician as appropriate. Initiate IV therapy by peripheral, central, intraosseous routes, and venous cutdown. Perform injections, arterial puncture, venipuncture; and arterial line insertion. Initiate Basic/Advanced life support in response to emergency situations. Prepare chart documentation for review and counter signature by the physician. Determine differential diagnosis. Maintain technical proficiency with approved procedures including suturing, wound care and orthopedic care. Prescribe and regulate medications. Evaluate outcomes of previously implemented interventions. Arrange consultations and referrals when needed. Attend staff meetings to discuss patient and unit requirements. Daily informal discussions are held with the physician and other health professionals to plan patient care.

Give input for design of research protocols and procedures. Responsible for the conduct of EM sponsored clinical trials including regulatory issues, recruitment and good clinical practice. Coordinate the implementation of protocols in conjunction with the other staff members. Oversee daily operations for clinical research protocols in collaboration with other staff. Responsible to obtain informed consent from study participants. Remain proficient in the utilization of commonly used clinical protocols and guidelines. Remain abreast of new treatment modalities and technologies within the field of Emergency Medicine. Maintain competencies with the use of Med/Surg instruments and equipment. Participate in the interviewing process of clinical staff. Makes hiring recommendations. Can recommend discipline.

Scope of Responsibility:

• Working knowledge of the formal and informal policies, procedures and practices necessary to facilitate safe and effective management of acute and chronic illness in patients presenting in the ED.

Decision Making:

• Uses professional judgment and assumes complete responsibility for any decisions, their consequences, and results.
• Prioritizes and organizes work to meet the changing needs of the unit and patient care needs.