At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for a Physician Assistant to work in our Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery department. The PA will work two (2) days outpatient clinic and 1.5 day as first assist in the OR.  

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, days; no nights/weekends/holidays/on-call

The Physician Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Physician Assistant performs procedures in accordance with clinical privileges and/or the written collaborative agreement and within the specialty of the supervising physician. This role functions autonomously and collaborates with other health professionals to provide high quality, cost effective health care to patients, manage health care systems, and influence health care decision-making through expert clinical reasoning, research and theory-based practice.

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct care to patients which demonstrates clinical expertise and advanced knowledge.
• Diagnoses and manages acute and chronic health problems within specialty area of practice.
• Collaborates and consults with physicians and other health care professionals in area of clinical expertise.
• Develops educational systems and strategies for teaching patients, families and staff on topics related to area of expertise.
• Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice.
• Actively participates in and/or conducts research pertinent to area of expertise.

Specific Performance Standards:

1. Clinical

• Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients’ health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in specialty area
• Provides primary prevention strategies and management of stable health problems
• Provides specialty care to assigned patients that may include both stable and unstable chronic health problems
• Establishes diagnoses for common short-term or chronic health conditions
• Prescribes medications, diet, supplies, prosthetic devices and other home health aides or medication according to clinical privileges
• Orders and Interprets appropriate laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms and diagnostic procedures specified in clinical privileges
• Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care
• Teaches and counsels patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, plan of care, anticipated outcomes, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs
• Documents in the medical record all care provided and/or procedures performed
• Serves as consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise

2.  Leadership/Organization

• Mentors staff to ensure quality of health care practices.
• Assists with policy development and review in area of expertise
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional and/or hospital committees/task forces.
• Consults with management in assessment, problem solving, decision making, and evaluating clinical/system issues.

3.  Education

• Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and their families.
• Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
• Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
• Willing to serve as mentor and/or preceptor to students

4. Quality and Outcomes

• Identifies primary patient needs, participates as applicable in the NMG quality program with focus on measures in patient satisfaction, quality performance, and access
• Perform and coordinate administrative and other clinical program duties as assigned or indicated.
• Develop and monitor indicators of quality care and patient satisfaction for a specific patient population.

Required

• Completion of Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistant Programs
• Physician Assistant in Medicine, Licensed (IL)
• Physician Assistant certification by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association) certification
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required as specified by department
• Controlled substance license and DEA registration required as specified by the department
• Minimum of one (1) year of surgical experience is required
• No new grads

Preferred:

• Ortho or hand experience

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.