Physician Assistant Job Description
Raleigh Skin Surgery Center, PLLC
I.
Description of Job: Augment surgeon’s ability to provide medical and surgical services to
patients; collect and document data, conduct diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, order and
schedule laboratory studies and professional consultations and provide direct patient care
services, including pre-surgical patient evaluation and teaching and postoperative patient and
family teaching. Perform administrative responsibilities as required. Assist with surgical
procedures as indicated. Reports to Practice Manager.
II.
Specific Duties
1. Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist physician in diagnosing medical and surgical
problems and prescribing necessary treatment and services for quality patient care; record the normal
and abnormal data for review by the physician.
2. Take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and record the data in the patient's record; write
progress notes and assessment and plan summaries; prepare patient workups and summaries noting
pertinent positive and negative findings.
3. Order and schedule laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain the necessity, preparation,
nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient.
4. Carry out therapeutic and surgical procedures as directed by surgeon, such as wound suturing,
dressing changes, and suture removal; monitor progress of patients, report progress to supervising
physician, and maintain record of each patient's progress.
5. May supervise and make work assignments for assigned nursing and technical personnel; review the
work of other staff; train new personnel.
6. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
7. Provide care according to physician's instructions and in accordance with recognized nursing
techniques and procedures, established standards and administrative policies, in maintaining the
health and general well-being of the patient.
8. Perform initial assessment and evaluation of patient and patient survey data. Do preoperative and
postoperative teaching for both patient and family members.
9. Provide assistance during surgery or other procedures as indicated:
a. Set up patient for surgery including prepping area, draping with sterile drapes, setting up
sterile tray with anesthesia and preparing instruments, and infiltrating local anesthetic.
b. Scrub in as assistant to the surgeon. Hand instruments and cut suture, keep operative field
clean and visible. Anticipate needs of surgeon during surgery.
c. Use electrocoagulation to control hemorrhage during surgery.
d. Prepare equipment and written documentation for biopsies and excisions and assist as
needed.
e. Assist with wound closures/repairs as directed by surgeon.
f. Perform biopsies as directed by surgeon.
10. Dispense medications as needed and as ordered by physician.
11. Maintain appropriate records and documentation:
a. Maintain records of patient visits for future reference.
b. Prepare a permanent written note for each case. Follow up each surgery with a telephone call
the day after surgery and document this in the patient's chart.
12. Promote interventions that promote and maintain excellence in surgical care.
a. Clean and dress surgical defects according to procedure guidelines as ordered.
b. Provide appropriate verbal and written instruction regarding care and potential problems.
13. Maintain the safety and well-being of the patient according to individual needs:
a. Provide adequate and appropriate safety precautions.
b. Provide an adequate communication system for the patient to contact the nurse.
c. Provide assistance during transfers and ambulation to maintain the safety of the patient.
III. Qualifications:
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Work requires graduation from a Physician Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation
Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor
agencies.
Must have suturing experience. Advanced suturing skill a plus.
Must be licensed in the state of North Carolina
Must be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of
Physician Assistants.
Prior physician assistant clinical experience including CPT/ICD-9 coding, preferred.
Pleasant personality for handling telephone and patient contact required.
Must be proficient in use of all applications of Microsoft Office and use of Electronic Medical
Record.
Previous post-graduate experience desired.
IV. Physical Demands:
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Must have good physical stamina; be able to be on feet most of the day.
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Able to squat and/or stoop to lift at least 25-pounds to assist patients physically.
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Must have sufficient arm, wrist, and finger dexterity to assist during surgery.
V. Characteristics and Abilities:
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Able to follow verbal and written instructions.
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Able to work in fast-paced office with heavy telephone, talking, and frequent interruptions.
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Able to deal tactfully with patients who are ill and may have functional problems.
VI. Working Conditions:
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Inside under normal temperatures, with adequate light, ventilation, and space.
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Works mostly with others, occasionally alone.
*Please respond with your resume and cover letter to bhousman@raleighskinsurgery.com