Duties
As a member of the Surgical Service staff the Physician Assistantwill provide medical services to patients under direct supervision of an appointed Physician Supervisor(s) or designee at all times. Direct supervision is defined as patient care provided by the PA while a supervising physician is physically present or available at all times for consultation by electronic communication.
The Physician Assistant functions as an agent of his/her physician supervisor(s) and not as an independent practitioner. The appointed physician supervisor(s) understands their duties as supervisor so there is no ambiguity as to who is responsible for the action of the PA at any time or in any circumstance.
Every order given by a PA, including those to be carried out by members of the nursing staff is considered as coming from the supervising physicians or designee. The orders must be within the scope of practice of the PA.
All progress notes, consultation requests, reports of histories and physical examinations that are performed by The Physician Assistant will clearly identify his/her as a physician assistant. The PA will identify the assigned physician supervisor at the end of a notation. All procedures/duties specified in the Scope of Practice performed by the PA can be conducted after competency is determined through observation and training by the physician supervisor.
The Physician Assistant has limited prescription transmittal authority to initiate and refill drug therapy per treatment protocols for specific non-critical disease entities. An individual formulary has been developed and is attached. She is authorized to write patient specific transmittal orders for medications as directed by the physician supervisor.
The Physician Assistant is authorized to perform the following tasks on a regular and ongoing basis:
- Perform initial histories and physical examinations on new patients (inpatients, outpatients, Urgent Center). The supervising physician, who will note concurrence, will review these or addendum as indicated.
- Manage limited acute and limited chronic health problems accordant to PA Guidelines and credentials of supervising surgeon.
- Examine outpatients and inpatients to determine the need for further health care.
- Order diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms (EKGs), CT scans, MRI's, Ultrasound.
- Initiate and expedite requests for consultations.
- Dictate notes or enter notes into CPRS.
- Provide patient/family education and counseling in preventive care, medical conditions, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs.
- Draw blood specimens for testing and perform other comparable procedures as needed.
- Perform arthrocentesis and Joint/peri-articular injections as indicated.
- Reduce and/or splint and/or cast closed fractures.
- Perform wound evaluations, suture removal and dressing changes.
- Remove superficial implants such as drains, pins and foreign bodies.
- Advanced wound care and management.
The Physician Assistantis authorized to perform the following duties after direct consultation with the physician supervisor or designee. During the performance of these duties, the physician supervisor must be available for immediate consultation via telephone and if summoned, a staff physician must be physically present at the place where the procedure is being performed, within 15 minutes.
- Casting, splinting and casting removal.
- Incision and drainage of superficial abscesses with and without local anesthesia.
- Wound care and local debridement.
- Suturing of superficial clean lacerations.
- Knee joint aspiration and medication injection, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle Excision of superficial benign lesions and cysts.
The PA initiates these activities but makes every effort to summon a physician as soon as possible (PS-11-15).
Emergency duties include: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCLS) and Treatment of Life threatening traumatic injuries.
May participate in ACLS in accordance to up to date training and certification.
The Physician Assistant is authorized to participate in the following miscellaneous duties not otherwise specified in this scope of practice.
- May screen patients to determine the need for hospitalization. Staff physician consultation by telephone or direct contact must be conducted prior to hospitalizing a patient.
- The PA is prohibited from rejecting patients or discharging patients from care without concurrence of the managing physician or designee.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
Telework: No Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact
21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Learn more
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Physician Assistant Basic Requirements
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
- Education. Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:
- (1) Master's degree in any discipline; OR,
- (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA.
- Certification. Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- NOTE: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA. (Per paragraph 3a, of the VA Handbook 5005/134 PART II APPENDIX G8, September 27, 2020 standard, the certification requirement for employees grandfathered into the occupation. 3(a). If a PA is certified by the NCCPA, but not licensed on the effective date of the qualification standard, they are not required to obtain or maintain a license to remain employed in VHA. However, if they lose or fail to maintain their NCCPA certification after this qualification standard is effective and do not possess a full, valid, and unrestricted license, they are no longer qualified for employment as a PA in VHA.).
- Licensure. PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PAs must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State.
Preferred Experience: At least 2 Years of Orthopedic Surgery
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs).
- i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.
- ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical.
- iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.
- iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
Physician Assistant-II (PA-II)Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by:
- i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR,
- ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR,
- iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
- i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.
- ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.
- iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.
- iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.
- v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.
Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:
- i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR,
- ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR,
- iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs).
- i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care.
- ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).
- iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials.
- iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel.
- v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.
- vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is VN-3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-1 to VN-3.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting of up to 50 pounds, light carrying up to 50 pounds, intermittent kneeling, pushing and walking, use of fingers, both hands required, gross and fine manipulation, reaching above the shoulder, both legs required. Will working closely with others, protracted or irregular hours of work. Will operate office equipment.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this
checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/23/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12588862.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account,
https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.