The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA), in collaboration with a Surgery Physician, provides exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population and provides support to other divisions of surgery as needed. The PA in Surgery evaluates patients and develops assessment plans, places orders and develops treatment plans in the outpatient surgery clinics. The PA completes the preoperative assessment, assists the Surgery Attending in surgery, and follows the patient post-operatively. The PA communicates with patients and families regarding education for wound care, diet and exercise. The PA orders necessary supplies for the procedures, performs outpatient procedures including but not limited to casting, splinting, mole removal and punch biopsies. The PA demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery. Performs all duties with the legal guidelines of the Physician Assistant Practice Act and Cook County Health policies.
Works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high quality patient care for surgery patients
Provides independent preoperative physical assessment, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of surgery indications
Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to consult with a physician
Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated; performs simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, management of wounds, incision and drainage, suture and staple placement and removal, aspirations and injections
Performs primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic
Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated
Assesses, diagnoses and treats adult patients
Provides and manages direct patient care
Conducts patient's health needs assessments
Obtains comprehensive history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis
Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.
Informs and effectively communicates patient test results and/or diagnosis
Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable
Assists in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery
Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes
Performs pain management and understands when to administer appropriate techniques and methods in Anesthesia, Advanced Wound Management, Diagnostic/Therapeutic procedures Diagnostic Radiology Interpretation, Operative/Perioperative Care
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program is required
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Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment is is required
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Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment is required
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Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required
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Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required
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Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
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Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
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Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
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Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting
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Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record
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Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
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Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
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Strong customer service and empathy skills
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Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
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Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
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Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
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Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
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Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for Protected Health Information (PHI)
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Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and stressful environment
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Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
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Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
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Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
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Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
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Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature
This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the personnel so classified.
VETERAN PREFERENCE
PLEASE READ
When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:
Meet the minimum qualifications for the position .
Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list an Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable
OR
If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference
VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Basic Term Life Insurance
- Pension Plan
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
- You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
MUST MEET REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION
Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.
Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to include a State of Illinois MD license and any other license, certification, or specialized training, etc., no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date.
- Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing, or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.
COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
