Physician Assistant (Orthopedic)
What you'd do
The VA NWIHCS is hiring one Intermittent Orthopedic Physician Assistant for the Surgery Service.
Major duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an integral member of the Orthopedic Surgery Section, providing comprehensive outpatient musculoskeletal care in collaboration with the orthopedic surgeons. The PA evaluates, diagnoses, and manages patients with orthopedic conditions within approved clinical privileges and participates in the efficient operation of the orthopedic clinic. The PA may also perform administrative and other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Orthopedic Section and Department of Surgery. Clinical Responsibilities . Evaluate and manage patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in the outpatient orthopedic clinic. . Obtain comprehensive medical histories and perform focused musculoskeletal physical examinations. . Develop assessment and treatment plans in collaboration with supervising orthopedic surgeons. . Order, interpret, and document appropriate laboratory studies, diagnostic imaging, and other diagnostic tests. . Perform office-based procedures within approved clinical privileges, including joint aspirations and injections, splinting and casting, wound care, suture and staple removal, and other approved musculoskeletal procedures. . Provide preoperative evaluations and routine postoperative follow-up in the outpatient setting. . Prescribe medications, orthotics, braces, and other treatment modalities consistent with approved clinical privileges and VA policy. . Coordinate patient care with Primary Care, Rehabilitation Services, Prosthetics, Radiology, and other specialty services. . Document patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic health record. Administrative Responsibilities . Participate in section, service, and interdisciplinary meetings as assigned. . Assist with development and implementation of clinical workflows, standard operating procedures, and quality improvement initiatives. . Participate in peer review, performance improvement, accreditation activities, and other administrative functions as assigned. Education . Participate in the education of residents, medical students, physician assistant students, nursing staff, and other learners as appropriate. Professional Responsibilities . Maintain current licensure, certification, and clinical privileges. . Practice within the scope of approved privileges and applicable VA policies. . Demonstrate professionalism consistent with VA ICARE values. . Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all privacy and information security requirements. Other Duties . Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position and the operational needs of the Orthopedic Section and Department of Surgery. Work Schedule: Intermittent. Specific work schedule will be determined by the supervisor. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
What you need to qualify
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: 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. 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. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) (a) Experience and Education. PAs 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 PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three 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 and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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-III: i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE). iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes. vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is grade 3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 1 to 3. Physical Requirements: This work involves extended standing, walking, bending, and carrying light items. The PA must be able to move throughout the Omaha VAMC clinical and surgical areas for prolonged periods while interacting with patients and staff.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.