at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Decatur, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Summary A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for a highly qualified candidate. Responsibilities Some positions/specialties are eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected, you will be notified if your specialty is eligible for EDRP or not. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. The Physician Assistant is a professional with advanced clinical knowledge and competence to function in a variety of roles. She/he is accountable for the management and evaluation of patient care under her/his care. She/he holds clinical privileges and practices in collaboration with a physician. The Physician Assistant provides comprehensive wellness care, as well as acute, episodic, and chronic care, of adult veterans. The Physician Assistant is prepared by advanced practice in adult health care across the health continuum. This practice includes independent and interdependent decision making, and direct accountability for clinical judgment. The Physician Assistant will evaluate and treat adult and elderly patients in the Community Living Center. The Physician Assistant will also perform activities related to follow-up of abnormal lab and radiology results, keeping communication open with veterans and their families, and ensuring that staff is kept abreast on the veteran’s clinical condition. He/She will provide care under the supervision of the Geriatrics and Extended care attending physician. FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:PRACTICE: Provides leadership in the application of clinical care processes as they relate to patient care, organizational processes, and/or systems, thus, improving outcomes at the program or service level.CRITERIA:1. Conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine veteran’s nature and degree of health care problems & constructs and implements an appropriate plan of care.2. Develops a data base on veterans by performance of:(1) Health history(2) Physical assessment(3) Diagnostic testing3. Assesses and interprets patient data differentiating between normal and abnormal findings; formulating differential diagnosis; Develops appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans.4. Prescribes and performs selected laboratory and other diagnostic tests, treatments, referrals, and consultations deemed pertinent, as defined in individual clinical privileges as delineated by PA/NP board.5. Manages veterans with acute and chronic diseases or other health problems, as well as preventive health where appropriate; thorough health teaching for veterans, family, peers, and community, increases veteran and family understanding of disease processes, self-care, and treatment plans.6. Reviews patient management with collaborating physician as appropriate; Collaborates & makes recommendation with other disciplines and community resources to ensure continuity of care.7. Maintains up-to-date records of all veteran interactions to document care provided, and facilitates intervention of various other health care providers.8. Demonstrates the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the veterans served, including the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify veteran needs and to provide the care needed.9. Maintains compliance with the various standards of care & practice. These include but are not limited to H&P completion, Medication Reconciliation, “Hand Off” communication standardization, patient education and documentation and assisting with patient flow and discharge processes Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 07:45 am – 4:15 pm Requirements Conditions of Employment All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications 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: 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-1 to PA-III. 1) 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. (2) 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 patient care including telehealth medical care. iv.
