Southlake is building healthy communities through outstanding care, innovative partnerships, and amazing people. We deliver a wide range of healthcare services to the communities of northern York Region and southern Simcoe County. Our advanced regional programs include Cancer Care and Cardiac Care and serve a broader population across the northern GTA and into Simcoe-Muskoka.
Our team of nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students and Patient and Family Advisors are committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen. As a recognition of our commitment to quality and patient safety, we have received the highest distinction of Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.
Job Summary
Under the direction, supervision and/or delegation of a supervising Physician, and in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s police on delegation, the Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients under medical directives or direct orders. The PA is to coordinate, evaluate, provide care, assist with diagnosis, management, disposition, examination and treatment for patients in the Emergency Department.
Primary Responsibilities
• All employees share a common core responsibility to act in accordance with the commitment to safe and compassionate patient care and a safe and healthy work environment
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations including but not limited to: use or wear of equipment or protective devices or clothing for safety purposes, report to their manager and contravention of this Act or regulations or the existence of any hazards of which he or she knows
• Have knowledge and understanding of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and attend all required Health and Safety training.
Direct Patient Care
• Perform complete clinical assessments of patients and formulate treatment plans
• Conduct physical assessments and interpret findings
• Utilize primary and secondary assessment results to formulate a differential diagnosis and determine if further clinical investigations are required
• Order and complete preliminary review of diagnostic tests including laboratory results and medical imaging
• Perform agreed upon diagnostic procedures including but not limited to: blood draws, blood pressures, ECGs, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gases, etc. as needed.
• Implement interventions and procedures as necessary including but not limited to: intubations, central line placement, tracheotomy, arterial line placement, simple and complex laceration repair, incision and drainage, paracentesis, thracentesis, cardio version, defibrillation, anterior and posterior nasal packing, intraosseus line placement, procedural sedation, fracture reducation and fracture management.
• Monitor patient progress and response to treatment
• Utilize Medical Directives as prescribed
Communication
When/ as directed by a registered Physician, the PA will:
• Provide relevant information and explanations, including proposed treatment plans to the supervising physician and seek further direction where appropriate.
• Provide education to patient, families and other health providers as appropriate to the clinical setting.
• Communicate with other members of the health care team and other hospital departments, both orally, in writing and electronically.
Medical Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintain clear, accurate and appropriate records of the patient encounter and management plan, including:
• Assessment and re-assessment notes, critical care documentation, procedure notes and discharge instructions as needed
• Dictated records as appropriate
• Consultation requests
• Medical billing and coding
• Other types of documentation as required by the particular setting
Skills & Abilities
• Experience working in an Emergency Department setting strongly preferred; however, the hospital supports new graduates of accredited Physician Assistant Programs
• Effective team member and communicator who motivates and inspires others to deliver the optimal quality of care to patients.
• Ability to perform in stressful, critical/emergency situations, flexibility and ability to change and adapt
• Demonstrated experience with shared decision-making and leadership techniques
• Demonstrated expertise in decision-making and evidence-based practice
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships
• Creative and flexible problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and development
• Excellent oral, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative practice model with an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated change management skills, adaptability and flexibility
• Demonstrated skills in adults and Paediatric physical and mental health assessment - ER specific
• Demonstrates proficiency working with microcomputer applications in a Windows environment, relevant to electronic health records
• Excellent attendance record
• Able to work nights, weekends, statutory holidays, etc.
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated problem assessment skills
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and teamwork
• Demonstrated individual leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability in Southlake’s core values including collaboration, team work, communication, listening, personal ownership, creativity, innovation, and diversity
Qualifications
• Completion of an accredited National Physician Assistant Program or equivalent
• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant education program or possess a Medical Degree and have successfully met all the requirements of a standardized Physician Assistant competencies-based integration program and assessment process (Physician Assistant preparatory program)
• Certified or eligible to be certified through the Physician Assistant’s Certification Council (PACC) or certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) for American educated/trained Physician Assistant
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) are mandatory.
As a condition of employment, you are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Hospital’s Occupational Health and Safety department. Successful candidates will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination (two doses) from the Ontario Ministry of Health website or other authorized source directly to the Occupational Health and Safety department. In the event that you are unable to be vaccinated as a result of a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written explanation of the ground and any supporting documentation to determine if you are exempt from this requirement to the recruitment team. A recruitment representative may follow up with you for further information if necessary.
At Southlake, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve, including those with disabilities. Southlake is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
It is the responsibility of all Southlake employees to work in a safe manner and promote health and safety in the workplace.
