Job Summary
Performs general gastroenterology care and selective services in a specialty office and hospital setting, under the supervision of the gastroenterologist in alignment with California state laws, regulations, departmental protocols and policies. Work requires the knowledge and skills necessary to provide direct patient care appropriate to patient population of the specialty. Provides treatment and education of gastrointestinal conditions, dietary and lifestyle counseling to manage symptoms and improve overall gastrointestinal (GI) health. Manages chronic GI diseases, medication management, monitoring disease progression, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers. Completes history and physical, physical exam, orders necessary testing (lab and imaging), referrals/consultations, prescribes medications and therapies. Assists with surgery clearances, pre-operative exams, and post-procedure visits. Provides pre and post-procedure care and instructions to promote compliance with treatment plans.
Responsibilities
- Manages common GI conditions including but not limited to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), liver diseases, fatty liver, and pancreatitis.
- Assists with in-office minor procedures and endoscopic procedures under the supervision of the gastroenterologist.
- Provides pre and post procedure care and instruction to promote patient recovery and compliance with treatment plans.
- Communicates patient care and practice-related issues to the supervising gastroenterologist, while any work environment concerns are directed to clinic leadership.
- Prescribes medication within the parameters of his/her ability, certification or licensure. Consistently prescribes the correct medication for the diagnosis and follows the protocols for prescribing through the EMR. Medication refills are completed according to policy for the outpatient hospital-based clinics/centers.
- Patient medical history intake is accurate and complete, documented correctly in EHR system.
- Performs a comprehensive symptom-focused physical exam. Assessment and treatment plan are documented with required components in the EHR system on the date of service.
- Provides quality patient education, counsels and educates patients and families re: diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, testing required and expected outcomes based on individual needs.
- Appropriate selection of diagnostic tests and labs, with appropriate interpretation/analysis of test results.
- Appropriate integration of history and physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate a differential diagnosis.
- Overall integration of clinical information into treatment planning.
- Pharmacology knowledge/appropriate ordering of therapeutics.
- Initiates appropriate and timely follow-up care.
- Applies evidence-based medicine to clinical decisions.
- Makes patient referrals to specialist and ancillary services as necessary, consistently following the approved protocol for referring patients and use of the EHR. Referrals are appropriate for the diagnosis.
- Participates in and contributes to the ongoing growth of the outpatient clinics/centers including policy and procedure updates. Works with the supervising gastroenterologist and clinic leadership in this area.
- Accurately charts all patient care activities including date and time into the EHR in the approved format and location for consistency across the continuum. Charting is completed and note locked by the end of shift on the date of service per policy.
- Interacts with other departments within the organization and facilities outside of this organization when needed for continuity of care including provider-to-provider notification for transfers to the Emergency Department.
- Maintains courteous, professional relationships with physicians, patients, peers, families, healthcare team members, and external agencies.
- Provides care in emergent situations following department protocols. Maintains composure in high stress situations.
- Maintains cost containment efforts by using supplies and equipment prudently, charging appropriately for supplies and equipment used, and coding appropriate for visit.
- Billing of patient encounters is accurate and completed daily.
- Has knowledge of the use of the EHR systems within the clinics.
- Comprehends and ensures adherence to quality performance metrics, effectively applying them to enhance clinical practice.
- Maintains an updated CAQH profile.
- All other duties assigned within their scope of practice.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Displays sensitivity and responsiveness to patients’ culture, age, gender, and disabilities. Demonstrates emotional resilience and stability, adaptability, flexibility, and tolerance of ambiguity and anxiety.
- Understanding of the legal, regulatory and role requirements governing PA/NP.
- Commitment to personal excellence and ongoing professional growth and education.
- Ensures the quality and timely completion of work.
- Uses effective listening, nonverbal, explanatory, interviewing and writing skills to elicit and provide information.
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability by being able to float and provide coverage for other providers in the clinic setting when needed, such as during sick leave or vacation time, ensuring uninterrupted clinic operations.
- Mentor, train, and provide ongoing guidance to new staff members, ensuring proficiency in their roles, familiarity with office procedures, and promoting a positive and collaborative work environment helping co-workers to grow and succeed through feedback and positive encouragement.
- Excellent attendance record and is punctual for all shifts scheduled.
- Adheres to a standard of professionalism and courtesy at all times, fostering positive rapport and collaborative working relationships with providers, referral sources, patients/families, staff, and peers.
- Maintains patient confidentiality at all times in compliance with HIPAA Standards.
- Demonstrates ability to use current language line.
- Completes annual educational and Employee Health requirements.
- Attends meetings as appropriate or directed.
- Reviews and complies with all new and revised department and hospital policies.
- Displays proficiency in accessing electronic, and hospital-wide policy and procedure manual and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Ensures compliance with Regulatory Standards including but not limited to hospital and department specific policies and procedures, fire, safety, infection control, OSHA, Federal, State, Title 22 and The Joint Commission (TJC).
- Promotes and adheres to established SBHC Core Values & Standards of Behavior communicating and representing the organizations Mission, Values, and Vision in a positive and professional manner in the department and community.
- Adherence to all organizational policies encompassing ethical business practices, standards of behavior, harassment, attendance, and safety. Demonstrates competence in fulfilling duties and responsibilities aligned with the San Benito Health Care District’s Corporate Compliance Program.
Education & Experience
- Completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Program.
- Current Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant certification and license recognized by the State of California.
- Minimum 1-year experience in a gastroenterology setting highly preferred.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
- Current and unrestricted California license, DEA, and furnishing Licensure, if applicable.
- Current BLS Certification by American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
You can access the application form here: https://www.hazelhawkins.com/~/careers/
Alternatively, you may submit your completed application directly to apply.jobs@hazelhawkins.com.
All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, physical exam, drug test, and verification of education qualifications and credentials.
San Benito Health Care District is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees, applicants for employment, individuals providing services in the workplace pursuant to a contract, and volunteers based on their actual or perceived: race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), age (40 and over), sexual orientation, status, military and veteran status and any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law (sometimes
referred to, collectively, as “protected characteristics”).