1.    EDUCATION:  
The Physician Assistant will have a current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of Arkansas, and will be governed by recommendations of the Credentialing Committee and Hospital Board approval in accordance with the Arkansas State Medical Board.  S/He will also have a current national certification as directed by the National Commission for the Certification of Physicians Assistants.

2.    TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Two to five years of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant preferred.  BLS and ACLS certified.  Demonstrates excellent leadership abilities and good communication skills.  
 
3.    KNOWLEDGE:
Provides healthcare services under direct supervision of his/her supervising physician and other duties as assigned by his/her administrative representative.  Engages in independent decision making about the needs of clients and collaborates with health professionals and health care programs as a member of the health care team.

4.    Safety Sensitive:   YES
In the interest of protecting the health and safety of all patients, associates, and guests, Unity Health has classified some positions as “safety sensitive.”  A “safety sensitive” position is any job position in which impaired performance could result in harm to the health and/or safety of self or others. Any associate that is actively engaged in the use of medical marijuana, even if in possession of a valid medical marijuana card, will be excluded from employment in a “safety sensitive” position.


DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for providing direct patient care, diagnosing and treating common ailments in collaboration with a licensed physician and under the direction of the physician according to established protocol and policy statements.

1)    Physician Assistant is considered the agent of his supervising physician in the performance of all practice-related activities, including but not limited to the ordering of diagnostic, therapeutic and other medical services.

2)    All prescriptions and orders issued by the Physician Assistant identify his supervising physician and are counter signed by his supervising physician.

3)    Physician Assistant’s supervising Physician may delegate prescriptive authority under his DEA number to the physician assistant to include prescribing, ordering and administering Schedule III through V controlled substances, all legend drugs, and all non-schedule prescriptive mediations and medical devices.

4)    The Physician Assistant coordinates coverage with supervising physician n the Hospital.

5)  The Physician Assistant initiates H & P’s, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

6)   The Physician Assistant takes first calls for hospitalists and acts according to established protocols and/or policies.

7)   The Physician Assistant assists in developing and participates in the neurology program including the SAVES program at the Hospital.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.  Requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time.  Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 100 pounds.  Requires normal visual acuity and hearing.  Requires working under stress in emergency situations or during irregular hours.  Requires exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.  Exposure to infectious wastes and body fluids may mandate the wearing of gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles.