Job summary
We are looking for an experienced Physician Associate to join our multi-disciplinary team at GHNHSFT. The PA role is well embedded within our department; we have employed PAs since 2016, and have a team of 10 full-time PAs working within our Emergency Departments.
The post holder will work under the supervision of an ED consultant, and will be encouraged to get involved with all aspects of patient care, and strive to learn new skills. They must have substantial years experience of working as a PA in an Emergency Department. The post holder must have a passion for Emergency Medicine, with experience in assessment and management of a diverse range of patients in the collaboration with the MDT.
The PA will be allocated a clinical supervisor, who will support them and guide them in their on-going professional development, and will be available for clinical and pastoral support. We have an education program for PAs, which covers an extensive range of topics.
Not only do we recognise the desire to develop clinical excellence in our staff but also the requirements for a sustainable work-life balance. The rota team have developed a new, annualised rota system, to ensure our clinicians get time off when they want it.
Main duties of the job
As a PA in ED, your role will be diverse and interesting; you will be expected to work in all areas of the department, under the supervision of an ED consultant, with exposure in majors, minors, paediatrics and resus. You will work as an integral part of the team to provide high quality, patient-centred care. The role will involve initial clinical assessment, examination and treatment of the ill and injured patient, participating in all aspects of the patient pathway. You will be expected to perform delegated duties with a high degree of professionalism, clinical skill and knowledge, appropriate to experience level. You will liaise with other professionals and specialities and complete necessary documentation relating to patients.
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, 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.
An excellent support system is in place to help out new starters with the process of settling in.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Perform initial clinical assessment, examination and treatment of the ill and injured patient, participating in all aspects of the patient pathway, whilst practicing under the supervision of an Emergency Medicine Consultant.
- Perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, subject to training/experience. Including, but not exclusively:
Venepuncture
Cannulation
Arterial blood gases
Catheterisation of males and females
Suturing
Wound care and dressing
- Exercise a high degree of clinical knowledge when assessing and planning care for patients with a range of presenting complaints.
- Ensure safe and effective handover of patients.
- 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.
- Develop and maintain specialist medical knowledge.
- Keep up to date with current guidelines and maintain best practice.
- Contribute to achieving and maintaining performance within the hospital and department.
- Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with current best practice and national guidelines.
- Help to facilitate and improve Physician Associate student placements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Perform initial clinical assessment, examination and treatment of the ill and injured patient, participating in all aspects of the patient pathway, whilst practicing under the supervision of an Emergency Medicine Consultant.
- Perform diagnostic/therapeutic procedures, subject to training/experience. Including, but not exclusively:
Venepuncture
Cannulation
Arterial blood gases
Catheterisation of males and females
Suturing
Wound care and dressing
- Exercise a high degree of clinical knowledge when assessing and planning care for patients with a range of presenting complaints.
- Ensure safe and effective handover of patients.
- 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.
- Develop and maintain specialist medical knowledge.
- Keep up to date with current guidelines and maintain best practice.
- Contribute to achieving and maintaining performance within the hospital and department.
- Contribute to the development of efficient pathways of care in accordance with current best practice and national guidelines.
- Help to facilitate and improve Physician Associate student placements.
Person Specification
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Substantial years' experience of working within an Emergency Department as a qualified PA.
- Experience/Knowledge of audit.
- Experience of working cohesively in an MDT.
- Experience of mentoring PA students.
- Evidence of keeping up to date with current guidelines and maintaining best practice, demonstrated through CPD.
Desirable
- Experience of designing audit projects.
- Evidence of research experience, e.g. publications.
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 PAMVR.
- ALS qualification.
- APLS qualification.
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in teaching.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
- Ability to take responsibility for clinical care of patients under the supervision of consultants.
- Ability to work in teams.
- Safe and competent performance of procedural skills including venepuncture, cannulation, catheterisation, wound care & suturing.
Person Specification
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
- Substantial years' experience of working within an Emergency Department as a qualified PA.
- Experience/Knowledge of audit.
- Experience of working cohesively in an MDT.
- Experience of mentoring PA students.
- Evidence of keeping up to date with current guidelines and maintaining best practice, demonstrated through CPD.
Desirable
- Experience of designing audit projects.
- Evidence of research experience, e.g. publications.
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 PAMVR.
- ALS qualification.
- APLS qualification.
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in teaching.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to apply research outcomes to clinical problems
- Ability to take responsibility for clinical care of patients under the supervision of consultants.
- Ability to work in teams.
- Safe and competent performance of procedural skills including venepuncture, cannulation, catheterisation, wound care & suturing.
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).
