PA l - INPATIENT 40 HOURS DAYS - BWH DEPARTMENT OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Position Summary:

The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Womens Hospital consists of 15 physician practices based in four medical centers (Boston Jamaica Plain Foxboro and South Weymouth). The Division continues to strengthen and foresees additional growth opportunities in the coming years.

The Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant (PA) will work in two plastic surgery practices responsible for patient care in the outpatient clinic setting inpatient surgical units and in various procedure/treatment areas. Under the direction of the supervising physician the PA will be responsible for all aspects of patient care including the coordination of treatment and assistance in management of postoperative care as well as discharge planning coordination.

1. Organization of patient care:
   1. Accountable for assessing planning implementing and evaluating a plan of care for patients seen in the Division of Plastic Surgery and more specifically the practices that are directly supported.
   2. Sets priorities when organizing care for patients with varying acuity.
   3. Maintains continuity of care through clear concise and accurate (verbal and written) communication.
   4. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of growth and development of patients in his/her care from infancy childhood youth and adult through to geriatric populations.

1. Clinical care:

1. Assist the plastic surgeon in the clinic including seeing patients for pre and post operative care with patient interviews physical examinations pre and post operative teaching and handling patient questions. Cleans debrides and sutures minor lacerations. Cares for wounds including debridement I&Ds dressings removal of drains and tubes and suture removal.
2. Makes daily rounds by him or herself or with surgical team on patients with a variety of surgical conditions and reports findings to the Attending Surgeon. Manages patient care evaluates change in patient status writes orders obtains consultations and interprets lab values and xrays with assistance of physicians as necessary. Gives special instructions to patients prior to discharge.
3. Communicates pre and post operatively with referring physicians patients and other members of the patients health care team in order to effectuate excellent continuity of care.
4. Perform other duties as assigned including coverage on the inpatient plastic surgery service.

1. Quality of Care:
   1. Documents care in a manner which is clear concise accurate and complete in compliance with documentation standards.
   2. Communicates pre and post operatively with referring physicians patients and other members of the patients health care team in order to effectuate excellent continuity of care.
   3. Develops an educational plan to encompass preoperative and postoperative care as well as the management of medical issues.
   4. Provides a safe environment for patients staff family and other visitors.
   5. Administers medication safely according to established policies and procedures.
   6. Conducts medication reconciliation during the assessment procedure on each patient.
   7. Responsible for ensuring that all regulatory and hospital standards and policies are adhered to and addressed on a consistent basis.
   8. Uses equipment safely and efficiently.
   9. Demonstrates awareness of potential/actual risk of infection and modes of transmission of various organisms. Utilizes universal precautions in performing clinical activities.
   10. Participates in quality improvement efforts as directed by the service leadership. The PA should also initiate quality improvement efforts as appropriate.

1. Coordination/Collaboration:
   1. Interacts with patients families and colleagues in a professional manner.
   2. Collaborates with other disciplines such as Physical therapy Occupational therapy and Nursing as needed.
   3. Develops utilizes and evaluates unit specific standards of care.
   4. Acts as a role model to other staff members.

1. Education:
   1. Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues.
   2. Seeks and accepts guidance for additional learning needs.
   3. Stays up to date on the latest literature in plastic surgery practice.

1. Budget:
   1. Utilizes time and materials in an effective and economical manner.
   2. Provides suggestions which support the delivery of cost effective health care.
   3. Demonstrates an awareness of the need to manage within established budgetary boundaries.
2. Personnel

1. Adheres to hospital and PA policies and aids in their interpretation to others.
2. Recommends changes in policy and procedures through appropriate channels.
3. Participates in the cooperative effort and peer support required for the smooth running of the unit.

1. Management:
   1. Proactively seek out opportunities to improve patient care and divisional operations
   2. Act as a divisional liaison on relevant department and hospital committees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

WORKING CONDITIONS: