Physician Assistant - Surgical Care

The Physician Assistant provides clinic-based care exclusively within the Pre-Operative & Pre-Procedure Clinic (COTC). The PA will function with Full Autonomy as defined by VHA Directive 1063, appropriate to a non-procedural, non-operative assignment. As such, the PA will be in periodic contact with a collaborating physician, who is available in person, by telephone, or through other suitable means (e.g., telehealth) for consultation regarding patient care activities.

The PA's responsibilities in this assignment are limited to pre-operative/pre-procedure evaluation, coordination, recommendations, and documentation. The PA is not assigned procedural duties and does not participate in operating room activities or bedside procedures as part of the Pre-Operative & Pre-Procedure Clinic (COTC) role. The PA is authorized to write medical orders within this Scope of Practice and approved privileging, including verbal orders in emergencies. a. Utilize CPRS for documentation of all clinic activities and communications. b. Maintain a working schedule of COTC appointments; track surgical/procedural candidates and clearance status; ensure timely completion of pre-op requirements. c. Perform pre-operative/pre-procedural history and physical, document in CPRS, and communicate pertinent findings to the collaborating physician and surgical/procedural team. d. Coordinate pre-operative/pre-procedure testing and consults (e.g., anesthesia, cardiology) and ensure results are reviewed and acted upon. e. Assist in day-to-day management of patients preparing for procedures, including order entry for diagnostics, medications, and pre-procedure preparations as indicated. f. Make follow-up calls or encounters to review readiness, update the record, and notify the physician responsible for significant changes in patient condition. g. Order appropriate pre-operative antibiotics according to written protocol. h. Provide patient and family education regarding the planned procedure, preparation requirements, and post-procedure expectations. i. Obtain and document informed consent for procedures for which the PA has sufficient knowledge of the procedure, its indications, risk and benefit profiles, complications, and alternative treatments, and when authorized by the PA's Scope of Practice. NOTE: The PA need not participate in the particular procedure the patient is scheduled to undergo but must be authorized to perform, participate in, or assist the procedure by the Scope of Practice and must have sufficient knowledge and training to effectively counsel the patient. j. Identify deviations from established protocols, care standards, and clinic pathways and actively intervene to avoid/correct variances. k. Participate in teaching of residents and health professions trainees regarding pre-operative/pre-procedural protocols specific to COTC. l. Collaborate with COTC RN staff, anesthesia providers, clearing physicians, and specialty services to ensure comprehensive clearance and readiness. The PA may also be assigned additional duties which include but are not limited to: (a) administrative duties such as quality assurance, peer review, research, and serving on various committees as directed by the section chief or administration; (b) education of health profession trainees and students; (c) preventive medicine programs and related duties; (d) emergency preparedness; and (e) other non-clinical tasks as necessary. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.