Neurological Surgery Physician Assistant Job with St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission  of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The Physician Assistant is responsible for providing healthcare services to patients under the supervision of, and/or in collaboration with, the attending physician. These services include, but not limited to, medical evaluation, treatment, counseling, and referrals. Consists of diagnostic evaluations, therapeutic remediation, surgical assistance, and pharmaceutical prescription

As with any other health care professional, the Advanced Practitioner is charged with being a patient advocate. The Advanced Practitioner will participate in patient satisfaction, quality, and performance improvement initiatives.

  JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Competent in the assessment, treatment, counseling, and education of the patient, and their families, being provided medical services.
• Competency in evaluating patients and performing physical examinations including obtaining, studying, and updating medical histories.
• Demonstrates ability to determine abnormal conditions by administering or ordering diagnostic tests, such as radiologic and laboratory studies, and then accurately interpreting test results.
• Evaluates, develops, and implements appropriate patient management and treatment plans, based on assessment of needs
• Coordinates and communicates patient care effectively with other healthcare professionals and institutions to meet patient’s healthcare needs. 
• Provides high quality health care, based on best practice and/or evidenced based medicine.
• Assists surgeon in the intra-operative care of the surgical patient during scheduled and emergency procedures, as assigned.  Examples include, but not limited to:  First/second surgical assist, drain placement, wound closure and techniques for application of sterile dressings.
• Daily evaluations and rounding of post-operative patients, determining and ordering appropriate studies and therapeutic regimens.
• As assigned, assists in outpatient office hours, with both pre- and post-operative evaluation of patients, completion of associated documentation, and then effective communication with referring & family physician.
• Knowledge of and maintenance of pertinent surgical patient databases, in relation to performance and quality improvement.
• Performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, as appropriate, and aligned with granted clinical privileges.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.  Maintains required continuing medical education.
• Participates in the research, development, implementation, and tracking of clinical management guidelines.
• Participates in the teaching of multidisciplinary students (nursing, nurse practitioner, pharmacy, physician assistant, medical, etc.) and physician residents & fellows, ensuring a positive educational environment.
• Demonstrates performance improvement in the following areas as appropriate: clinical care/outcomes, customer/service improvement, operational system/process, and safety.
• Competent in utilizing electronic medical record, remains current with medical record documentation, and provides documentation that is for optimal for billing provided professional services.

• Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting for up to 3 hours per day and 3 hours at a time.  Standing for up to 8 hours per day, 8 hours at a time.  Walking for up to 6 hours per day, 1 hour at a time.  Frequently fingering, handling, firm grasping and twisting.  Rarely lifting, with assistance up to 100 pounds.  Rarely pushing and pulling patients weighing up to 300 pounds in a wheelchair or bed.  Occasionally stooping and bending.  Seeing as it relates to normal near and far vision, and hearing as it relates to both high and low frequencies.

EDUCATION:

Medical Physician Assistant, or Osteopathic Physician Assistant with current license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, as determined by the job location. Physician Assistants must also have a current certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience desired, preferably in a similar setting.   Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required. Physician Assistant must be licensed to treat infant to geriatric populations. Must have suturing experience.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and  current home address.   Be sure to  include  employment history for  the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are  encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and  licenses, if applicable.   It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.   Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!