Physician Assistant I

POSITION OBJECTIVE/SUMMARY:

Physician Assistant works under Hospital Administrator and receive technical direction on medical procedures from a physician, who accepts total responsibility for the health care of the patient when determining diagnosis and therapeutic treatment. These positions are characterized chiefly by their responsibility for performing medical tasks in the care and treatment of patients. Positions in this class evaluate patients' conditions by taking histories, performing physical examinations, applying diagnostic techniques, ordering and evaluating routine laboratory tests and performing selected therapeutic tasks, or other special procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

• Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
• 1 year Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience
• Current California license for Physician Assistant and National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA).
• Physically well, emotionally stable, and good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary treatment team essential.
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and follow through on work assignments.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONS:

• Takes medical histories and performs physical examinations, utilizes diagnostic techniques, such as observation, palpation, percussion or auscultation; evaluates physical signs, symptoms and medical history to assess patient's physical condition.
• Under the supervision of a physician, orders and interprets laboratory tests and radiological examinations.
• Recognizes and evaluates patients, who require the immediate attention of a physician and, when necessary, initiates, without supervision, emergency medical treatments.
• Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
• Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
• Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
• Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
• Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
• Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
• Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
• Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
• Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
• Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
• Other duties as assigned