PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - NEPHROLOGY

LOCATION: JOHN H. STROGER HOSPITAL

NEPHROLOGY

Applicants may apply for this position online or submit a resume/ CV to the following email address: PARecruit@cookcountyhhs.org

When submitting a resume/CV by email, you must include the job title and posting number in the subject line of your email. An application or resume/CV must be filed for each position which interests you.

To receive Veteran Preference, appropriate discharge papers must be attached to the online application or must be included with your emailed resume/CV. Please refer to Veteran Preference document requirements listed on the bottom of this posting.

JOB SUMMARY

In collaboration with the Chair of the Division of Renal Disease-Nephrology, the Physician Assistant (PA) provides exceptional care to a diverse patient population with renal diseases. The PA provides comprehensive health care by managing patients from pre-dialysis in the outpatient chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinics, rounding on in-patient End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) service and the dialysis units, and post hospital follow up for continuity of care. The PA is responsible for monitoring and adjusting dialysis treatments and medications based on lab results, and order appropriate referrals, as necessary. The PA Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends. The PA will offer group education classes for the promotion of kidney health and chronic kidney disease/renal replacement therapy. Performs duties within the legal guidelines of the Cook County Health (CCH) policies.

Typical Duties

• Manages and provides independent care for CKD patients in out-patient renal clinics through managing a panel of patient with chronic kidney disease inclusive of diagnosing and treating patients with hypertension and renal diseases: facilitating health maintenance and wellness through prevention; prescribing medications, diet, supplies and other health aides; performs clinical procedures as delegated by the collaborating physician.
• Conducts history and physical exams and develops a plan of care in accordance with guidelines established by the attending physician, nephrologist.
• Conducts dialysis rounds, writes outpatient and inpatient dialysis orders, monitors patients' weights, adjusts fluids to accommodate volume shifts, and adjusts medications according to blood pressure and lab values.
• Provides necessary renal/dialysis coverage.
• Participates in monthly care plans for CCH out-patient dialysis patients
• Orders, performs, interprets, and implements appropriate action for laboratory and other diagnostic tests.
• Obtains informed consent for procedures performed and provides ongoing renal care.

• Assumes primary responsibility for interviewing patients to obtain comprehensive health history in hypertension and/or renal diseases. Strong communication skills are necessary.

• Must be flexible to cover separate renal clinic sessions program.
• Participates in one half-day per month for dialysis quality initiative and quality assurance, and other clinical projects with physicians.

• Educates and counsels patients on treatment options and expected outcomes and provides education classes for patients with renal disease.

• Coordinates continuity of care between the hospital and other health care settings.
• Participate in monthly renal conferences, interdisciplinary staff development in hypertension and renal diseases.

• Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives, if applicable.
• Adheres to quality and patient safety standards set forth by CCH.
• Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, i.e., hand hygiene.
• Prescribes and dispenses medications utilizing best practices.
• Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional requirements.
• Maintains professional licensing requirements and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends.

• Performs other duties as assigned.