Summary
Physician Assistant – With the supervision of a Physician (as per O.R.C. 4730), the PA‑C provides medical care, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to patients with complex, acute, and chronic health conditions in a variety of clinical settings. The PA assesses health status by obtaining relevant history, performs a physical exam as per the supervisory agreement with OSMB, and works with autonomy under Ohio law within the direction of the supervising physician. The PA identifies significant health and medical risk factors, orders, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and diagnostic studies, develops diagnoses, and creates treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the physician. The PA performs diagnostic or therapeutic interventions consistent with certification, law, and Akron Children’s Hospital privileges, may prescribe and monitor medications within prescriptive authority, develops patient education plans, collaborates with nursing, medical, and other healthcare team members, and may serve as a clinical preceptor for PA students. Other duties are assigned as necessary.
Outpatient practice emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. The PA participates in quality monitoring through review of records and treatment plans on a bi‑annual basis to assure quality care and meet ORC requirements. This review is completed via the Focused Professional Performance Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Performance Evaluation (OPPE) for Advanced Practice Providers as part of Joint Commission requirements.
Responsibilities
Inpatient responsibilities include providing medical care to patients with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions, delivering acute care services, and practicing with a variety of specialty-based populations (neonatal, pediatric, adult). The PA works in settings that require complex monitoring, high‑intensity intervention, or continuous vigilance within high‑acuity care. The PA participates in quality monitoring via bi‑annual review of records and treatment plans (FPPE/OPPE) to ensure quality care and compliance with ORC requirements.
Outpatient responsibilities involve health promotion, disease prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. The PA participates in quality monitoring through bi‑annual review of records and treatment plans (FPPE/OPPE).
- Identifies patient/family needs for discharge education, equipment, further home care, transportation, and referrals.
- Writes prescriptions within scope of practice.
- Communicates appropriately with the primary care physician.
- Selects and orders appropriate tests (under guidance of physician).
- Writes orders in patient chart, cosigned by a physician as needed.
- Participates in emergency treatment and triages appropriately.
- Maintains confidentiality of all department and patient matters.
- Communicates with families, providing written materials and videos when appropriate.
- Competently assists/performs treatments and procedures for patients on their service.
- Competently administers medications.
Position Specific Competencies / Indicators
- Evaluates care daily during rounds.
- Documents assessment, plan, care provided, teaching, and discharge planning.
- Completes Bureau of Workers’ Compensation forms.
- Monitors and intervenes to promote patient safety, notifies supervisor, and documents events appropriately.
- Offers expertise to staff and residents, providing reference materials when appropriate.
- Participates in ongoing education for nurses and physicians through presentations and in‑services.
- Assists with development of educational materials.
- Modifies practice utilizing current research.
- Maintains membership in the American Burn Association.
- Assists in writing/revising policies and procedures for the Burn Center.
Other Information
- Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies Preferred.
- Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
- Licensed as a Physician Assistant in the State of Ohio and current NCCPA certification.
- Must have a valid supervision agreement filed, current certificate to practice, and certificate to prescribe (or be eligible) by the Ohio Board of Medicine.
- Must obtain credentialing as an active member of the medical staff and appropriate medical staff privileges.
- Current Health Care Provider BLS training is required.
- Individuals hired without an MS Degree and those hired without a certificate to prescribe (or CTP eligible) must actively pursue and obtain an MS degree/certificate to prescribe.
- Excellent critical thinking, self‑motivation, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.