The PA is responsible for prescribing medical treatment and providing personal care services to the veteran population. Care is based on Veterans Health Administration, and national standards and outcomes research. Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition, collaborating with medical management team members to facilitate patient care outcomes, and providing a full range of physician assistant care to patients with a variety of physical problems. 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 Citizen of the United States [in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).] 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: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs). 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)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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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)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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs). 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. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 11 to 13. Physical Requirements: Applicants must meet physical standards for the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. This is a designated drug testing position. After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use. Requires lifting 15-44 pounds; pushing (approx. 2 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing from 3-5 hours and kneeling. Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Must have depth perception and ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors. Hearing aid is permitted. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Duties for Physician Assistant are the same for all three specialties. The following tasks may be performed by the PA on an ongoing and regular basis. These duties may be performed without the specific prior discussion with the SP: 1. The PA may perform initial and interim H&Ps on inpatients and outpatients assigned to Surgical Service. The initial H&Ps will be reviewed by the primary or alternate SP and countersigned within a 24-hour period. Regular review of the care rendered to stable outpatients and inpatients will also be accomplished. 2. The PA may screen patients to determine the need for hospital admission and may so admit patients to the specialty service when indicated after discussion with the SP or his/her designee. The SP will be informed of, and determine the need for, all admissions and enter an admission note in the medical record within 24-hours. 3. The PA may order and initially interpret tests such as blood chemistry, ECG, x-rays as well as other procedures needed for ensuring adequate diagnosis, differentials, and continued health maintenance. He/she will also work towards gathering useful data from test results and H&Ps to report significant changes to the SP. 4. The PA may initiate or expedite requests for consultation, special test and studies on assigned patients and will keep the SP or his/her designee apprised of results and progress. 5. The PA may make rounds on assigned inpatients and write interim progress notes and may write or dictate the discharge summary. The SP may either write a discharge note, or cosign the discharge summary within 24-hours. 6. The PA may provide necessary patient education and apply currently accepted preventive health care measures to our patients and/or their families. 7. The PA may order intravenous solutions and IV medications. 8. The PA may order and administer oxygen. 9. The PA may order and administer blood products. 10. The PA may monitor and evaluate the need for reordering medications which are routinely required for maintenance of various chronic medical conditions including, but not limited to, HTN, DM, COPD and arthropathies. 11. The PA will be required to write a note on procedures performed for which he/she is responsible. 12. The PA may order or transmit an order for x-ray, other diagnostic studies, therapeutic diets, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and nursing services. 13. The PA may transmit verbal orders from physicians to nursing staff according to VA policy on verbal orders. 14. The PA may obtain informed consents for procedures within his/her scope of practice. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]