Physician Associate

To perform initial patient assessment and examination, initiate diagnostic process and interpret investigations and recommend initial treatment Take patient histories and perform physical examinations of a patient recording all information in the patients medical records 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 Practice under the supervision of a named clinical consultant and other qualified staff as agreed Order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, radiological studies, or various other therapies Discriminate between normal and abnormal findings to recognise early stages of serious medical, emotional, or mental problems in the patient Coordinate consultants ward rounds, and take responsibility for following up resulting actions 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 Instruct and counsel patients regarding mental and physical health, including: Dietary advice Disease and disease prevention Treatment Normal development Refer and converse with appropriate specialists regarding patient management Work collaboratively with the medical team, i.e. Physicians, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Staff Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Mental Health colleagues, social services, etc. to encourage and ensure good working relationships Maintain knowledge and proficiency in medical practices through continuing education, staff meetings and workshops Work with the supervising physician/s to ensure appropriate medications are prescribed to patients being discharged from inpatient care Work towards taking responsibility for actively discharging patients Work with the teams to develop/improve and implement new models of working to ensuring efficiency within the area of work Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation