Physician Assistant (Pulmonary)

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2027. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications and subsequent cut-off dates are on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled

Duties

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Position Summary: The Pulmonology physician assistant is a position located in the Medicine Service. The physician assistant reports directly to Section Chief of Pulmonology. This position entails clinical and/or administrative responsibilities within Pulmonology. Program activities are always evolving and may include programs as determined by facility leadership. The incumbent reports clinically and administratively to the Section Chief of Pulmonology. Major Duties/Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to: Clinical responsibilities include history taking and physical examinations, prescribing medications, obtaining and reviewing laboratory data and diagnostic studies. Performing clinic chart reviews and assisting with the formulation of clinical diagnoses and implementation of treatment plans. Entering electronic notes in patient's clinical chart, coordination of clinic appointments/consults with all services secure messaging and telecare responses for Pulmonology. Participation with the Section Chief in establishment of short and long-term administrative, clinical and/or research goals. Teaching responsibilities include educating new physicians and residents in administrative aspects of their work in VA. Performs initial histories and physical examinations. Provides ongoing outpatient and inpatient care for assigned patients as well as episodic patients. Screens and triage outpatients to determine further needs of care. Prescribes medications within defined scope of practice (including schedule II-V controlled substances). Writes orders/prescriptions as necessary for the care of the patient in accordance with Federal and State law. Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, and x-rays. Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities. Orders, consult notes, procedure notes, progress notes, consultation requests and administrative letters which are written by the Physician Assistant will be clearly identified as such in the written and electronic medical records. Initiates and expedites requests for consultation and scheduling of special tests and studies. Makes interim summaries on progress notes of the patient's medical record. Provides education and counseling to patients and families for preventative care, medical conditions and use of prescribed treatment and drugs. Obtains informed consent for relevant Pulmonary procedures/therapies. Interpret Home Sleep Study and Nocturnal Oximetry. Participate in Quality Assurance activities including Root Cause Analysis and Failure Mode Effect Analysis, tort claim review, etc. Participates in protected Peer Review and pertinent peer chart review activities. Participate in care line staff meetings, Specialty Care Team meetings and mandatory staff functions. Pulmonology administrative activities may include serving as the Coordinator of the Section, managing clinical calendars, closing or reopening of clinics, clinical review of affected patients and disposition of rescheduling instructions and/or medication refills. Participation with the Section Chief in establishment of short and long-term administrative, clinical and/or research goals. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Subject to change based on the needs of the agency.

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. Physician Assistants must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations:Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for Physician Assistants. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Physician Assistant. This practice may include, but is not limited to: Ability to utilize the principles of Physician Assistant practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. Ability to perform patient history and physical. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education. The Physician Assistant 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: Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR Successful completion of a Physician Assistant 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 A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). Physician Assistants 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: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education. Physician Assistants at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning Physician Assistants, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can de