Job summary
Emergency Medicine provides a superb environment for the PA to learn and flourish. You will be working as one of the clinical team and expected to 'see the next patient' as any trainee doctor would do. You will be taught how to perform an ever-expanding variety of EM procedures, until capable to do so independently.
We have developed a unique weekly education program which covers an extensive range of topics, along with an appraisal and career structure which is not found anywhere else in the UK. All PAs will be allocated an educational supervisor who will be available for clinical and also pastoral support. There is also set study leave and funding available to help advance your clinical and educational needs. We recognise that the PA role is ever-evolving, and our PAs gain experience, we encourage them to expand their roles and responsibilities within the department.
Not only do we recognise the desire to develop clinical excellence in our staff but also the requirements for a sustainable work-life balance.
Main duties of the job
As an Senior ED physician associate, your role will be in the initial assessment and treatment of the ill and injured patient. We strongly value the continuity that our PAs bring to the department, and will encourage you to support the rotating clinicians both clinically, and with the general day-to-day running of the ED. You will have the opportunity to be part of the Trauma Team within the ED and to be the nominated Resus or Paediatric doctor of the day. The clinical experience you gain will be diverse and interesting. As a more senior PA, we expect that you will be able to carry out the majority of patient interactions independently whilst having a senior decision clinician within the department for advice. We also expect that you will have the skills to carry out most ED procedures including FIBs, catheters, fracture or dislocation manipulations.
As an employee of the Trust, the post-holder will work in close co-operation with and support other clinical, medical, professional and managerial colleagues in providing high quality healthcare to the Trust's patients.
About us
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest employer in the county and with over 8,000 staff, we are one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. We offer a generous annual leave allowance, excellent bank rates, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, discounts for local shops, restaurants and services, access to our health and well-being hub, access to our two on-site nurseries , flexible working options, discounted public transport, reward and recognition schemes, exercise and activity classes and membership to our popular hospital choir.
We currently have PAs employed in multiple specialties across the trust which includes: Acute medicine, Accident and emergency medicine, Respiratory, Care of the elderly , T&O, Renal, Cardiology, Gastro, etc. We also have regular teaching sessions which are an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together.
The Acute Medical Unit here at GRH has an excellent cohort of Physician Associates of various experience levels.
An excellent support system is in place to help out new starters with the process of settling in.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To perform initial patient assessment and examination, initiate diagnostic process and interpret investigations and recommend initial treatment.
To exercise a high degree of personal autonomy when assessing and planning care for patients with a range of presenting complaints.
To develop extensive specialist knowledge and experience, acting as a resource to the clinical team and allied health professionals.
Practise under the supervision of an E.D. Consultant and other qualified staff as agreed.
Take patient histories and perform physical examinations of a patient recording all information in the patients medical records.
Order and/or interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, radiological studies or various other therapies as agreed.
Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings to recognise early stages of serious medical, emotional or mental problems in the patient
Establish differential diagnosis, make appropriate treatment plans and initiate emergency treatment.
Ensure safe and effective handover of patients to the appropriate ward
Work with the multi-disciplinary team in an appropriate management plan for the patient e.g. Social Services, Community Nursing Teams, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Refer and converse with appropriate specialists in regard to patient management.
Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings and workshops.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To perform initial patient assessment and examination, initiate diagnostic process and interpret investigations and recommend initial treatment.
To exercise a high degree of personal autonomy when assessing and planning care for patients with a range of presenting complaints.
To develop extensive specialist knowledge and experience, acting as a resource to the clinical team and allied health professionals.
Practise under the supervision of an E.D. Consultant and other qualified staff as agreed.
Take patient histories and perform physical examinations of a patient recording all information in the patients medical records.
Order and/or interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, radiological studies or various other therapies as agreed.
Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings to recognise early stages of serious medical, emotional or mental problems in the patient
Establish differential diagnosis, make appropriate treatment plans and initiate emergency treatment.
Ensure safe and effective handover of patients to the appropriate ward
Work with the multi-disciplinary team in an appropriate management plan for the patient e.g. Social Services, Community Nursing Teams, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Refer and converse with appropriate specialists in regard to patient management.
Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings and workshops.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BA/BSc level Degree prior to undertaking PA programme (2:2 or above)
- PG Dip in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme or Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) if US trained
- Valid certification of Physician Associate National Exam
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates
- Substantial years of working within an Emergency Department setting seeing patient independently.
- ALS/APLS qualification
Desirable
- Member of UKAPA
- Recognised qualification in teaching.
Experience
Essential
- Clinical training and experience in assessment of acute patients.
- Experience/Knowledge of audit.
Desirable
- Evidence of research experience, e.g. publications.
Knowledge / Skills
Essential
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
- Ability to take responsibility for clinical care of patients under the supervision of Consultants.
- More advanced procedural skills - Fasica iliaca blocks, fracture/dislocation manipulations, suturing, catheterisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BA/BSc level Degree prior to undertaking PA programme (2:2 or above)
- PG Dip in Physician Associate Studies from a UK training programme or Current and valid certification with the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) if US trained
- Valid certification of Physician Associate National Exam
- Registration with the UK Managed Voluntary Register for Physician Associates
- Substantial years of working within an Emergency Department setting seeing patient independently.
- ALS/APLS qualification
Desirable
- Member of UKAPA
- Recognised qualification in teaching.
Experience
Essential
- Clinical training and experience in assessment of acute patients.
- Experience/Knowledge of audit.
Desirable
- Evidence of research experience, e.g. publications.
Knowledge / Skills
Essential
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
- Ability to take responsibility for clinical care of patients under the supervision of Consultants.
- More advanced procedural skills - Fasica iliaca blocks, fracture/dislocation manipulations, suturing, catheterisation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
