Physician Assistant, Neurosurgery

Job Description

Park Nicollet Health Services

Job Title:

Asst, Neurosurg-Surg Phys

Job Code:

2PY-0062

Leader Title Level:

Manager

Location:

Various

Department:

Various

Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level):

Director

Date Approved:

01/01/2016

Date Revised:

01/10/2024

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Provides advanced, specialized assistance to physicians in the treatment and care of patients in hospital, operating room, emergency room, outreach, and clinical settings. Such care includes but is not limited to preparation for and assistance in surgery; issuance of inpatient orders; patient assessment and treatment; independent patient caseload management; and patient and staff instruction/education. Administers highest quality patient care under consultation of physician, and in accordance with Park Nicollet Medical Center standards. Serves as a patient advocate by maintaining patient confidentiality, protecting patient rights, and resolving concerns or complaints regarding care or service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

Graduate from an American Medical Association and C.A.H.E.A. approved physician assistant program resulting in a Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine.

Three or more years of related clinical and surgical experience in the specialty area of medicine.

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

If informally trained prior National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (N.C.C.P.A.) certification.

This position requires credentialing, following the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) guidelines.

CPR certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Incumbent must have successfully passed the examination and maintain current certification through the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Leadership skills

Demonstrates knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and ensure safety of patients.

Proven proficiency in the operation of the following: Telephone, Photocopier, Fax Machine, Operating Room Equipment, Traction Devices, Syringes, Catheters, Electrodes, Dressing Applications, Scalpels, Incision Closure Devices, Debridement Equipment, and Pager.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

NA

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

NA

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong clinical, human relations, leadership, verbal, and written communication skills.

Extensive knowledge in surgical methodologies for specialty area of practice.

Proven ability to accurately assess patient conditions, utilizing sound judgment in problem solving and responding to patient needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

(20-40%) - Provides surgical assistance to physician.

Schedules and prepares operating room and equipment; properly preps, drapes, and positions patients; scrubs; and assists physician in the performance of surgical procedures.

May perform under the direction of physician, surgical procedures such as but not limited to incisions, vein harvesting, vessel exposure, and incision closure.

(5-15%) - Makes hospital rounds in both intensive care and ward settings and performs patient care services which include but are not limited to such procedures as lumbar punctures, traction, debridement, halo application, injections, catheter insertion and/or adjustment, dressing, application, removal of tubes and electrodes, wound/incision care, urethral, dilation, catheterization, and ultrasound, related to prostrate biopsies.

(10-20%) - Independently provides patient and/or family management including education, counseling, medication management, and general health care or home care instructions.

(1-10%) - Maintains independent clinical schedule, providing patient assessment and treatment under the direction of or in consultation with physician. Makes referrals for evaluation or treatment by a physician when appropriate.

(5-15%) - Writes hospital orders on individual patient treatment plans and/or medication regiments and conducts patient discharge planning.

(5-15%) - Acts as liaison between the patient/family and the physician, hospital, medical staff, or outside agencies involved with the patient care.

(1-10%) - Initiates emergency care of acutely ill/injured patients in emergency room, intensive care, or hospital ward settings (under physicians' direction or consultation), until physician can presume treatment.

(15-30%) - Consults with physician on unusual or abnormal cases and makes appropriate referrals for evaluation or treatment.

(10-20%) - Documents effectively by completing within 24 hours a report on any communication with or about the patient that directly affects his/her care. This will include the physician assistant''s assessment, intervention, and plan, as well as progress notes and discharge summaries. Completes reports requested by schools, outside agencies, referral sources, and payers in a timely manner.

(5-15%) - Performs patient follow-up including returning phone calls, evaluating, and processing test results, dictating medical record information, compiling reports, and maintaining necessary paperwork.

(5-15%) - Serves as resource to nursing staff providing continuing education.

(1-10%) - Assists in the development of new policies, programs, procedures, materials, or techniques for department.

(1-10%) - Takes rotation of on-call duty, responding promptly and effectively to patient care needs during scheduled on-call shift.

(1-10%) - Performs other tasks as assigned.

• Job description rankings/percentages are intended to reflect normal averages over an extended period of time, and are subject to daily variances. Quality and efficiency standards should at no time be compromised to meet the average expectations expressed above. Job descriptions are subject to change to accommodate organization or department needs.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

Values

All colleagues are expected to live our values:

Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve.

Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person.

Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve.

Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments.

Additional Expectations:

Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment.

Maintains regular and timely attendance.

Protects confidentiality.

Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization''s Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization''s policies and procedures.

Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)

POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

YesNoDoes this employee have direct patient contact?x

Departments will need to determine the appropriate competencies in their areas for their specific patient populations documented in the essential duties section.

Examples of items that can be included are:

Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation specific to the needs of the population served.

Communicates effectively with patients, families, and team members.

Integrates practices that supports patient safety, acknowledges variations in populations served.

Anticipates the needs of the population served as well as the unique characteristics of the communities served.

Anticipates the needs of the population in providing culturally responsive care and develops an individualized plan for patients and families.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:

Please describe the degree to which the position directs the work of others or coordinates workflow of a clinic, department, or functional area. If applicable, indicate the number of people and the titles for which this position directly and/or indirectly directs the work of others or coordinates workflow.

The surgical physician assistant is responsible for the independent assessment of patients within his/her caseload making clinical decisions based upon their assessment and has the authority to refer directly to community resources when indicated. Under the direction of or in consultation with the physician, the incumbent has the authority to make hospital rounds, write medication orders and treatment plans, initiate emergency treatment, and perform certain surgical and patient follow-up procedures.

Critical Job Demands

Section 1: Place an "X' next to ONE of the terms that best describes the frequency for each of the Critical Demands.

Critical Demands

N/A

0%

Rare

1-5% (Up to a 1/2 hour)

Occa

6-33% (1/2 hour to 3 hours)

Freq

34-66% (3 to 5½ hours)

Cont

67-100% (5½ to 8 hours)

Standing - Remaining on one''s feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about.

x

Walking - Moving about on foot.

x

Sitting - Remaining in a seated position.

x

Squatting - Assuming or maintaining a crouching position with the knees bent.

x

Reaching - Stretching out or extending to touch or grasp.

x

Lifting - Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling).

x

Carrying - Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder.

x

Pushing/Pulling - Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away/towards from the force.

x

Handling/Fingering - (includes typing, computer work, gripping, grasping, and pinching)

x

Section 2: Place an "X" next to ONE of the terms that best describes the Strength Rating for this job classification which is expressed by one of five terms: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy, and Very Heavy.

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. xMedium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.

Note: During any patient handling task, if any caregiver is required to lift more than 35 lbs. of a patient's weight, assistive transfer devices should be used for the transfer.

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Please contact the employer Employee Health & Safety (EHS) with any questions or assistance related to the completion of the Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (HAPPE) Form.RELATED TO: Hazardous Substances and Harmful Physical AgentsYesNoTask DescriptionPotential HazardHazard controlPPE Required

x

Working with box cutters, knives or other sharp cutting devices.Penetration

Cut away from body.

Use proper tool for the job.

Safety knife or safety box cutter

Cut resistant gloves

Other ___

x

Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics (Examples: reprocessing, cleaners, disinfectants, laboratory chemicals).

See MSDS online database for chemical list

Chemicals

Flammables

Toxic Gases

Corrosives

Use only employer approved products.

Use appropriate soaking containers with labels.

Understand hazards of chemicals you use (read MSDS).

Goggles

Chemical face shield

Chemical resistant gloves

Chemical resistant aprons

Lab Coat

Closed toe shoes

Powered Air Purifying Respirator

Other ___

x

Exposed to extreme heat (Examples: Autoclaves, Blanket warmers, Ovens, Propane torches) or cold (Liquid Nitrogen, Winter temperatures).

Heat

Cold Stress, Burns, Frostbite

Approach hot surfaces carefully.

Use only approved liquid nitrogen dewars. Dispense only if trained.

Heat resistant gloves

Cryogenic (cold resistant) gloves

Goggles

Face shield

Other ___

x

Driving or riding in motorized vehicle equipment as part of the job.Vehicle crash, Impact

Absolutely no text messaging while driving.

Refrain from cell phone use while driving.

Seat belt

Other ___

x

Working in extremely wet or slippery conditions or working in 24/7 operations where floors are wet from mopping.Slip, Trip, or Fall

For wet areas, mop excess water regularly.

Place warning signs.

Select footwear carefully

Slip resistant shoes

Rubber boots

Other ___

x

Preparing or handling hazardous drugs (Examples: cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents).

Chemical

Genetic damage

Tumors

Receive training

PPE

Use of biological cabinet

Spill procedures

Waste disposal SOP

Gloves appropriate for chemical

Disposable barrier gown

Goggles

N95/PAPR (spill cleanup)

Ventilation Hood

Other ___

x

Medical/surgical procedures involving heat generating tools or equipment (Examples: cautery/ lasers).Light radiation, burns to self or patient, smoke inhalation

Receive laser training.

Awareness and knowledge to minimize surgical or procedural fires.

Code Red training

PPE

Restricted access

Specialized laser safety glasses

Other ___

x

Working with or near ionizing Radiation Hazards (Examples: Radioactive sources, X-Rays).Over exposure, Genetic damage

Warning signage

PPE

Waste and spill procedures

Personal monitoring

Shielding, distance

Lead Aprons

Other ___

x

Working near MRI.Trauma resulting from missile effect

Restrict access

Screening

Signage

x

Moving equipment/supplies.Strain, Sprain

Proper body mechanics

Get additional help

Get Ergonomic help from EOHS.

x

Dealing with agitated persons or disturbances.Workplace violence, bodily injury, body fluid exposure

Training in verbal de-escalation techniques.

Code Green procedure

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown or fluid resistant Lab Coat

HAZARD ASSESSMENT FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)RELATED TO: Infectious AgentsYesNoDescriptionPotential HazardHazard controlPPE Required

PERFORMING OR ASSISTING WITH THESE TASKS:

x

Potential for splash of blood/body fluid to face and clothing: examples but not all inclusive: suctioning, wound irrigation, eye & ear irrigation, close contact (within 3 ft.) of patient with frequent, productive cough, sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, colonoscopy.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

Hand hygiene before and after task

PPE

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

x

Activity that requires touching patient's non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

Hand hygiene before and after task

PPE

Gloves (Clean)

x

Activity that includes touching patient's blood/body fluid or contaminated items or environment, examples, but not all inclusive: disposal of urine, blood canisters.

Exposure to Infectious Agents

Hand hygiene before and after task

PPE

Use of Spill kits (as needed)

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

x

Performing duties with sharp devices that could result in exposure to blood or body fluids.

Exposure to Infectious Agent/sharp injury

Use of sharps safety devices

Avoid re-capping needles

Proper disposal of sharps at point of care

For reusable sharp, use safe transporting practices

Use neutral zone for passing sharps

PPE

Gloves (Clean vs. Sterile depends on the procedure)

Facial protection (mask plus goggles OR face shield) if anticipate splash

x

Entering rooms where patients with airborne diseases are treated. Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

Mask patient

Place patient in airborne infection isolation room if available

Limit entry into room

Keep door closed

PPE

Follow Communicable Disease Guidelines and Tuberculosis Control Plan to determine if N95 respirator, PAPR, or surgical mask is needed

x

Work with specimens from patients with airborne diseases.

Exposure to Infectious Agent/inhalation

PPE

Biological Safety hoods/cabinet instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

N95 respirator or PAPRx

1. Procedures that enter deep tissue or body fluid, including but not limited to:

Central IV insertion, placing a catheter or injecting material into the spinal canal or subdural space (myelogram, lumbar puncture, spinal/epidural anesthesia), breast biopsy, temporal artery biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, OB vaginal delivery, incision & drainage.

Exposure to infectious agents

Hand hygiene before and after procedures

PPE

Gloves (Sterile)

Barrier Gown

Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)

x

2. a. Procedures that enter

subcutaneous tissue or are located

in the skin structure, including but

not limited to:

Excision of mole, lump, or bump

Excision of lipoma or sebaceous cyst, vasectomy

Exposure to infectious agents

Hand hygiene before and after procedure

PPE

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

Gloves (Sterile)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

x

2. b. Additional Procedures

Shave biopsy, punch biopsy

Joint injection, nerve injection, joint aspiration

Peripheral IV insertion, ENT procedures

Anal-rectal Biopsy

Exposure to infectious agents

Hand hygiene before and after procedure

PPE

Gloves (Clean)

Barrier Gown if anticipate splash

Facial protection (mask and eye protection required during these procedures if anticipate splash)

x

3. Handling Lab specimens in a laboratory

Exposure to infectious agents

Hand hygiene after removing gloves

PPE

Biological Safety hoods/cabinet

Splash guard

Instrumentation with automated/closed sampling mechanisms

Lab Coat ( fluid resistant)

Gloves (Clean)

Facial protection (mask plus eye protection or face shield plus mask required during these procedures)

Other tasks with identified safety, health or infectious hazards requiring PPE?YesNoTask DescriptionHazardHazard controlList PPE required

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