Major Areas of Responsibility/ Essential Function:
1. Assists with surgical procedures in operating room and in clinic.
• Assists in room set-up for procedures and examinations.
• Performs a variety of tasks during surgical procedures.
• Facilitates communications with medical center staff regarding post-operative patient care.
• Cleans and maintains instruments and supplies.
2. Conducts initial assessment of patients during office visits.
• Reviews patient history, current medications and allergies.
• Takes and records vitals.
• Reviews chief complaint.
• Reports abnormal findings to physician.
3. Schedules diagnostic test procedures as directed.
• Coordinates the scheduling of diagnostic tests with provider and patient.
• Communicates special needs of test with patient/family.
• Seeks out and obtains third party prior authorization as necessary for procedures and testing.
4. Documents patient care provided.
• Records pertinent information from patient encounter in accordance with established standards.
5. Applies and removes casts and splints.
• Follows accepted physician protocols for application and removal of cast/splints.
6. Based on principles of growth and development, provides care appropriate to the age related needs of the patients served on his/her assigned unit, which may include:
Birth-28 days: Neonate
1-18 Months: Infant
18 Mo-3 Yrs: Toddler
3-6 Yrs: Pre-School Aged
6-12 Yrs: School-Aged
12-18 Yrs: Adolescents
18-65 Yrs: Adults
65+ Yrs: Geriatrics
• Collects, analyzes, interprets and applies age-specific data.
• Performs tasks/procedures, uses equipment in an age appropriate manner.
• Communicates and works with others in an age-appropriate manner.
7. Acts as a collaborating member of the clinic medical home team and is highly committed to a team construct.
• Commits to the Wheaton Franciscan Medical Home Principles of Practice.
• Promotes quality and service excellence for patients by providing personalized care in a collaborative team environment.
• Shares responsibility for providing health care for the team's patients in a clinic setting.
• Contributes in a positive fashion all behaviors and activities which support the team model.
• Accepts ownership and responds effectively to patient, team, or person concerns, and works towards positive resolution.
8. Adheres to all safety, infection control and employee health policies and procedures.
• Attends required safety programs.
• Appropriately and consistently uses the personal protective equipment required of the job.
• Knows and can demonstrate departmental emergency procedures for fire, disaster and other emergency situations.
• Actively participates in regularly scheduled drills (Code Red, Green, etc.) and regulatory safety standards.
• Completes and appropriately routes incident reports in a timely manner.
• Uses equipment safely and appropriately.
• Reports and removes unsafe equipment/furniture.
• Asks for assistance when needed to assure safety for all involved.
• Maintains a safe working environment and practices safe working habits.
Education and Experience:
• High School Plus Specialized Traning
• 2 years post-secondary education in an accredited Orthopedic Physician Assistant program.
• Current Orthopedic Physician Assistant certification in Iowa. BLS. Mandatory Reporter.
• High language, basic math, high reasoning ability. Personal computer. Demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of diverse backgrounds.
• No prior experience required.
Equipment Operated:
• All standard operating room and orthopedic equipment including but not limited to operating room tables, positioning devices, cautery unit, cast cutter, sterilizers.
Working Conditions:
• Works in clean, air-conditioned, well-lighted environment. Potential exposure to infection, contagious diseases, hazardous compounds or gases, needle punctures or injury from sharp instruments. Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time. Ability to work in stressful environment, wear a mask over nose and mouth for long periods of time during the surgical procedures and in restricted areas, and tolerate both air-conditioned "cold" and "hot" room temperatures. Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to details when assisting physicians and caring for patients. Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to rapidly changing and stressful patient care situations.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.