Summary
The Salisbury VA Medical Center is seeking a Physician Assistant for its Surgery Service Line. The Certified Physician Assistant (General Surgery) will utilize their clinical skills to facilitate, coordinate, and deliver comprehensive Surgical care to eligible veterans in the Surgical Service (General Surgery Section which includes both General and Breast Surgery) at the Salisbury VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC as well as the outpatient Health Care Centers in the surrounding region.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Opened to All US Citizens
Duties
Clinical (all duties apply to both General Surgery and Breast patients)
-Responsible for evaluation of all breast consultations including symptomatic breast patients, patients with abnormal breast imaging, evaluation of breast cancer risk, and patients with a prior history of breast cancer within the last 5 years requiring survivorship follow up.
-Responsible for the high risk breast clinic of known high risk breast patients to include the initial evaluation and the subsequent biannual clinical visits, clinical breast exams and coordination/ appropriate follow up of imaging. This also includes the subsequent coordination of multidisciplinary care. Assessment and referral for genetic counseling if indicated. Develop individualized risk reduction strategies for each patient and ensure that the patient has adequate educational tools and follow up. Education with regards to chemo preventive medications and coordination with oncology if indicated.
- Responsible for the survivorship clinic of patients with known breast cancer. The survivorship clinic will be hosted concurrently with the breast surgeons' clinic to allow for open communication.
-Responsible for participation in the national tumor board as well as the radiology-pathology conferences.
- Will participate in the Comprehensive Breast Clinic Redesign group as a participant.
- May be asked to assist in the operating room, to perform breast or general surgery procedures in the clinic, and may be asked to participate in the outpatient, inpatient or operative care of breast or general surgery patients.
-Responsible for ensuring that the breast patients have appropriate clinical and radiological follow up in the high risk and survivorship clinic.
- May be asked to help coordinate patient care with Women's health, community care, radiology and other primary care providers.
-Conducts pre-operative workups for patients including but not limited to: 1) obtaining preoperative medical optimization when appropriate, 2) obtaining preoperative consent for a procedure when appropriate, 3) working with the nurse case managers to post and schedule cases using approved protocol.
-May be asked to assist with the initial screening/triaging/receiving of consults using the electronic medical record system (CPRS) for patients in the outpatient clinics at all three locations (Salisbury/Charlotte/Kernersville).
-Performs simple suturing; venipuncture; seroma or abscess aspiration via US guidance; arterio puncture; suture removal; administration of intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injections; wound vac application and management; administers local nerve blocks, administration of local anesthetics and corticosteroids and cleansing and debridement of wounds as needed.
-Assists with, modifies or creates relevant educational materials for patients and their families.
-Work with Residents and Attendings to ensure that all patients on the service or for whom the service is consulting have H&P's/consults, daily progress notes, transfer notes, discharge instructions, discharge summaries and other important documentation in the medical record.
-May institute appropriate treatment for minor surgery problems encountered on inpatients, ED patients and clinic patients. -Provides clinical support to the wound care nurses in the wound care clinic when needed.
-Conduct patient and family teaching/education to provide continuity of care.
Educational and Research:
- Actively participate as one of the primary educators for the PA students who rotate through the program and work with the Section Chief and other PA's to optimize our educational service.
- Under the direction of the Section Chief, assist with the education of the medical students and surgical residents who rotate on the service.
-Incumbent is encouraged to obtain official associate academic appointments to our academic partner institutions.
-Under the direction of the Section Chief and operating under the auspices of the R&E department, assist with clinical research, outcome tracking and quality improvement/best practice activities.
Administrative:
-Screening of consultations and scheduling patients into the appropriate clinic.
-Assist in responding to patient inquiries and with clinical issues brought forth by the General Surgery team members, or other personnel within or outside of this VAMC.
-Participate in ongoing education, quality control, improvement processes and re-credentialing processes as required by the institutions by-laws and Professional Standards Board.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am -4:30pm
Financial Discloser Report: Not required
Travel Required- Salisbury is primary duty location but travel to the HCC's in Kernersville or Charlotte will be required with a scheduled clinic in Charlotte. Travel to Kernersville will be on an as needed basis determined by the Director of Breast Surgery.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Designated and/or random drug testing required
- 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 a background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination
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.
| Basic Required Qualifications (Per Handbook 5005) |
Physician Assistant
- Must be a citizen of the United States. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- The Physician Assistant is a graduate of a PA training program, which is certified by CAHEA. Additionally, the Physician Assistant must maintain current certification by NCCPA. Clinical and administrative competence and skills are evidenced by postgraduate experience in progressively more complex patient assignments over at least four years. Individual maintains credentialing for procedural assignments.
- Certification. Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
- 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.
- At least one-year experience with Surgical Service.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d), 7407(d). |
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Preferred Women's Health, Breast Cancer or Preventive Health Experience.
- Minimum of at least one year of successful practice as a Physician Assistant providing medical care to patients to include Physician Assistant residency or practice
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other disciplines
- Demonstrated excellence in written/verbal communication and time management
- Demonstrated ability to use computer systems in support of patient care delivery
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| Preferred Level of Education |
Physician Assistant
Masters in Physician Assistant |
| Preferred Certification(s) |
| BLS |
Grade Determinations:
Full Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, individuals appointed to this grade must meet all the following requirements:
Clinical Proficiency: Provides effective care to patients characterized by the use of sound judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating patient care for assigned patients. This includes possessing the skill and competency to obtain thorough medical histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order appropriate diagnostic studies, interpret and analyze medical data, establish diagnoses, formulate and implement treatment plans, and modify treatment plans when appropriate; works effectively and makes appropriate requests for assistance from the assigned physician and recognizes complex patient care situations where referral is appropriate; references quality improvement information and organizes patient care needs to assure safe, efficient and cost-effective care; initiates effective actions in emergencies.
Professional Development: Obtains additional knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice setting to improve performance and provides patient education in an effective manner. Ethics. Safeguards patient privacy and confidentiality. Provides care in a nonjudgmental, non-discriminatory manner respecting the patient's values and beliefs. Interpersonal Skills: Works effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and other professional and support personnel.
Intermediate Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Full Grade. Individuals appointed or advanced to Intermediate Grade will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems and meet the following requirements and all clinical competencies:
Experience / Education: 1 year of professional practice as a PA; OR successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; OR a Master's degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Senior Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Intermediate Grade. Individuals appointed or advanced to Senior Grade will have demonstrated the behaviors or responsibilities listed in one or more of the following categories: Clinical Proficiency, Education, Professional Development, Management/Administrative, and Research, as applicable to the assignment. Experience / Education: 3 years of professional practice as a PA; OR 2 years of professional practice as a PA and successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; OR 2 years of professional practice as a PA and a Master's degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; OR a Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. AND Management/Administrative. One of the following responsibilities must be demonstrated: a. Evaluates service level patient care delivery systems and validates or identifies barriers to safe, effective care. Presents findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials and participates in implementation of changes. B. Manages patient quality management data bases such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) if assigned. C. Serves on service or facility committees/task forces if applicable to the assignment. D. Coordinates consult referrals within the service assigned. E. Coordinates and facilitates inter-service agreements. AND All clinical competencies.
Reference: VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 PART II APPENDIX G8 II-G8-2. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Physical Requirements: Physical demands include repetitive body movements including the following: frequent reaching, standing, walking, and lifting of equipment and/or patients to provide patient care.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
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.
N DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, 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.
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 (VA)
- License
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: 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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
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 05/20/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12407566.
- 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.
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.
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.
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