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The Physician Assistant in Nephrology is a member of an interdisciplinary team providing subspecialty services to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Nephrology PA works under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician with delineated clinical privileges granted by the Medical Staff. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: Current BLS provider card by the American Heart Association (AHA) Minimum of 2-3 years of successful practice in medical/surgical care setting Previous ARNP or PA experience Previous transplant experience Demonstrated leadership experience with outstanding verbal and written communication skills Demonstrated skills and knowledge in critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and experience dealing with complex interpersonal situations Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) a. Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. b. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to: i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical. iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) (a) Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by: i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II: i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) (a) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by: i. Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA. OR ii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA. i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE). iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is VN-1. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-1 to VN-3. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Straight pulling (6 hours), Pushing (2 hours), Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Walking (6 hours), Standing (2 hours), Repeated bending (6 hours), Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["Duties: Provide transplant education to Veterans with CKD 4-5 or ESKD and their caregivers/family members Work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary setting with VA and non-VA clinical and administrative staff Comprehensively evaluate Veterans with CKD 4-5 or ESKD for kidney transplantation (pre-kidney transplant evaluation) Determine initial kidney transplant candidacy, using established criteria, in collaboration with VA and non-VA transplant teams Collect, review and synthesize medical records from VA and non-VA health systems and providers in the care of Veterans pre- and post-kidney transplantation Evaluate and manage Veterans post-kidney transplant (including immunosuppressive agents) in collaboration with VA and non-VA transplant teams and VA nephrology providers Review and interpret lab data to guide clinical management of Veterans post-kidney transplantation Order and review medications, diagnostic studies, procedures and consults for Veterans pre- and post-kidney transplantation Communicate treatment plan, test results, medication changes, appointments due, etc. with Veterans in their care pre- and post-kidney transplantation Regularly communicate with VA and non-VA transplant center clinical and administrative staff to coordinate care for Veterans pre- and post-kidney transplantation Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases. Paid Time Off: Annual leave at the rate of eight (8) hours per biweekly pay period; Sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per biweekly pay period; 11 paid Federal holidays per year. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years' vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package."]

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