Orthopedic Institute for Children

SUMMARY    

Under the general supervision of the Orthopedic Institute for Children-UCLA Faculty, coordinates the care of pediatric orthopedic patients in the outpatient and the urgent care settings managing acute, chronic, surgical and congenital conditions. The Physician Assistant may responsible for independent fracture and subspecialty clinics and potentially assisting in physician clinics.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. 
• Current unrestricted California Physician Assistant License issued by the Physician Assistant Board of California.
• Three to five (3-5) years of related experience preferred as PA in ambulatory and/or an orthopedic practice.
• BCLS and PALS certification required.
• National Provider Identification Number (NPI). 
• An individual Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license issued by the United States DEA for Schedule II-V controlled substances is required. 
• National certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) (Must be obtained from NCCPA for initial State license). 
• Computer Skills:  EMR experience a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs therapeutic procedures, such as but not limited to non-operative outpatient orthopedic procedures; including fracture reduction; injections and aspirations; splinting; application and removal of casts and other orthopedic appliances as needed.
• Orders, reviews and interprets diagnostic studies within the scope of practice.
• Manages non-surgical orthopedic problems independently within scope of practice and surgical problems in association with the physician.
• Performs non-surgical consults including pre-op exam.
• Takes patient histories, makes assessments and develops plans of care based on sound medical judgment and research based evidence to develop and implement discharge plans in the urgent care and outpatient settings.
• Makes independent decisions following California laws and regulations. 
• Provides ethical care with the highest level of customer focused service. 
• Documents medical information and completes charts on timely basis, per OIC’s Bylaws.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members.
• Works effectively with physicians and other team members to meet comprehensive needs.
• Provides patient and family education. 
• Maintains personal and patient health by implementing appropriate hand washing and hygiene protocols.
• Assists in development of nursing protocols, orthopedic care algorithms, and other patient-care related documentation.
• Must sign a written delegation of services (DSA) with supervising physician(s).
• Maintains ongoing personal and professional education requirements.
• May be involved in community based education/care programs/projects.
• May act as clinical preceptor to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, residents and other new hires.
• May be requested to work as a First Assistant in OIC’s ASC.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SUCCESS INDICATORS

• Patient outcomes meet or exceed medical standards as evidenced by successful completion of treatment and review by physicians.
• Medical records are completed in a timely manner as evidenced by Medical Records Department documentation.
• Charting is accurate and in compliance with QA standards.
• Patient charges meet billing and professional standards as evidenced by random chart audits.
• Positive patient, physician and staff relations as evidenced by satisfaction surveys, confidence level and positive comments.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be flexible and able to adapt to rapid changes in pace, volume and clinic coverage, as well as hours and schedule changes needed to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
• Must be willing to increases/adds clinics when physicians are unavailable.
• May be required to work at satellite facilities.
• Must be available to work variable shift schedules including some weekend days and rotating between Outpatient Clinic and Urgent Care Center.

COMPLEXITY

Ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and awareness while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Continuous (66-100% of the time) walking, standing, bending, sitting and verbally communicating with patients, families and healthcare team members. Requires a high level of dexterity for the safe handling of patients.  May need to carry pediatric patients, equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Settings include the outpatient department, urgent care center and the Orthopedic clinic of Santa Monica UCLA, where exposure to x-rays and loud noises from children, paging system and cast saw is present. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental demands of the job include but is not limited to:

• Interacting in fast paced clinics or UCC with potentially distressed children and /or parents.
• Being able to maintain a calm and polite demeanor in stressful situations.

These are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.