Neurosurgery Physician Assistant - Tucson, AZ

Position Summary

Works with the endovascular & cerebrovascular neurosurgical team in the clinical assessment and management of the inpatient and clinic neurosurgical patient by utilizing medical theory and advanced medical skills and within the scope of licensure by the State of Arizona. Order, interpret and document test and communicate results to the team. Prescribe medications and make recommendations for treatment. Assists the endovascular & cerebrovascular neurosurgical team to develop programs as needed.

Position Competencies

1. Works with the endovascular & cerebrovascular neurosurgical team and medical staff to high quality patient care, follow-up and education to improve the quality of life and survival rate of our patients.

2. Participates as a team member in the inpatient and outpatient setting and serves as a resource to other colleagues on clinical practice, medical and health care issues

3. First assisting in IR and in surgery on all neurosurgical procedures. Must have First Assist Certification prior to employment.

4. Hospital rounds on a daily basis including writing orders, progress notes and dictating discharge summaries.

5. Plans and provides comprehensive care of the neurosurgical patient in the outpatient and throughout all phases of hospitalization, in the emergency center, medical ward, intensive care unit and rehabilitation in collaboration with other providers and members of the health care team.

Performs assessment of the health status of the neurosurgical patient including:

Obtains a relevant health and medical history

Performs physical examinations based on age and history as well as interpretation of lab results

Identifies medical health risks and needs

Assesses educational needs

Formulates the appropriate differential diagnosis based on the history, physical examination and clinical findings

Updates the attending neurosurgeon and other team members as needed

Orders appropriate diagnostic tests and accurately interprets the findings.

Identifies and prescribes appropriate pharmacological agents and non-pharmacologic therapies

Makes appropriate referrals to other health professionals

Other duties as required and within the scope of practice under the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants.

6. Performs accurate documentation of patient status in the medical record and communicates effectively with other team members

Establishes and implements appropriate plans of care based on scientific principles, clinical findings, theoretical knowledge, patient demographics and patient and community support systems and resources.

Effectively communicates with referring physician, primary care providers and members of the health care team.

Accurately documents patient status in the medical record and communicates effectively.

Assesses educational needs of patients, family members and caregivers

7. Assesses educational needs of self, patients, family members and caregivers

Provides relevant patient, family and caregiver education.

Maintains current knowledge by attending educational programs

Maintains licenses and certifications in compliance with current state, federal and national law.

Responds efficiently and effectively to phone calls from patients and patient’s family members, physicians, and members of the health care team.

Education

Required: Graduate of Accredited PA program

Certifications

Required: PA licensure; BLS; DEA eligible