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Under the general supervision of the collaborating Orthopedic surgeon(s), is responsible for performing diversified clinical duties in support of orthopedic practice in evidence based guidelines in the care and treatment of patients in a courteous, respectful, and caring manner.

Organizational Responsibilities:
• Participates in hospital meetings and cooperates with providers and coworkers to achieve departmental objectives. Reports concerns and problems as they arise in a professional and respectful manner utilizing the chain of command structure;
• Ensure confidentiality of employee, legal, client/patient, budget and all organizational matters;
• Keeps knowledge base current by attending educational programs that advances competencies in the field of orthopedics.

Record Utilization:
• Utilizes the current Electronic Medical Record to complete the documented Best Practice Workflows accurately.
• Documents physical findings and patient response on appropriate worksheets and medical record.

Direct Patient Care:
• Conducts physical diagnostic, medical history taking, and therapeutic procedures in a professional manner in accordance with established standards of care and practice in orthopedic medicine. This primary function is expected to be performed in the outpatient office setting, the OR, the Emergency Department, inpatient units, and all other approved Huggins Hospital locations.
• Formulates an appropriate plan of care based on physical exam, patient history and clinical findings, and collaborates with physician(s) as necessary.
• Contacts patients with follow up information on testing, in accordance with practice and Hospital policy and procedure.
• Recognizes and reports relevant information that requires urgent attention, and ensures follow through
• Writes or submits orders including diagnostic tests, referrals, and medication.
• Answers patient questions and clarifies concerns regarding medications, diet, activity, and health status.
• Complete same day appointments as needed
• Complete peer to peers for insurance companies required for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and or any other orders placed by orthopedic providers
• Performing procedures such as but not limited to, digital blocks, regional anesthesia, and minor outpatient surgical procedures such as but not limited to: tendon repair, wound closure, wound management, wound debridement, incision and drainage, needle biopsy, k-wire removal and hardware removal.
• Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including but not limited to joint and bursa aspirations, closed reduction of fractures and dislocations, injections of joints, tendons, trigger points and bursa, as well as brace, cast and splint applications.
• Assist in surgery to include but not limited to first assist, deep and superficial tissue closures, application of appliances and any other action delegated by the surgeon.
• Conduct hospital rounds, and submit orders. Evaluate and clarify clinical conditions, formulate and implement a treatment or therapeutic plan for hospitalized patients, dictate discharge summaries, histories and physicals.
• Take primary call 1 night a week M-TH and 2nd call 1 weekend a month. While on call during the week Physician Assistant must stay onsite until 7pm.
• When on primary call acts as the primary point person for any orthopedic related inquiries.
• Participate in the facilitation/coordination of multidisciplinary resources needed for surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care.

Care Coordination:
• Communicates with referring specialists and providers, serving as an ambassador for the orthopedic department service lines.
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the multi-disciplinary teams particularly the rehabilitative services.
• Make medical diagnoses and intervene with appropriate treatment including referrals of patients to other healthcare facilities, agencies, resources of the community, or other physicians.
• Coordinates treatment with patient and family members.
• Promotes the orthopedic department and service lines by participating in community offerings.

Organizational Expectations:
• Attendance: Attendance is an essential job function; employee comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shift
• HIPAA: facilitates to maintain patient confidentiality
• Internal communication: contributes to positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, active listening, and respect
• Interpersonal relationships: maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors at all times. Works as a team member with other departments.
• Safety: Practices workplace safety daily

Employee Engagement:
• Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings
• Attends and participates in a minimum of 50% department staff meetings and signs off on review of 100% department staff meeting minutes
• Completes all required annual education on or before the due date

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the primary functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to safely perform the essential functions of the job.
• Minimal physical effort required with occasional light lifting to a maximum of 25 pounds; stooping; and pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers
• Ability to effectively manage considerable mental stress
• Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and convey information in a clear, concise and accurate manner
• Familiarity with computer and other business machines

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Experience: Three years or more as a Physician Assistant preferred. Orthopedic competency validation as evidenced through case volume; additional education, or partnership in an orthopedic practice required.

Job License and Certification:

• Licensed by the State of NH as a Physician Assistant. Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required, and must be maintained throughout employment.