Under the daily supervision of the Practice Manager, and Clinical Supervision of a Psychiatrist, this role functions as a physician assistant within EVMS Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. This role will enable the Department Psychiatrists to expand their capacity to perform new patient comprehensive evaluations, and to provide continuous patient care for patients that have established and determined diagnosis. Utilizes DSM5 principles to modify patient diagnoses and treatment under the direction of a supervising psychiatrist. This position will work under the direction and guidance of the Emergency Department psychiatrist, within the Emergency Department of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, as well as other duties assigned by the EVMS Department of Psychiatry.

Develops treatment plans for established patients and or revises in accordance with applicable protocols, standards of care and under the clinical supervision of assigned psychiatrists.

Elicits and records a comprehensive and accurate past medical and social history and review of

Systems for patients. 

Performs appropriate minor physical exams needed to establish a treatment plan.  

Differentiates between normal and abnormal findings and orders appropriate diagnostic studies.

Prescribes medications under the practice agreement.

Maintains effective communication with physicians, department administrator and providers regarding individual patient care and to develop a coordinated care plan.

Assess learning needs, readiness, and capabilities of individuals and families to tailor education

to meet the needs of the individual.

Counsel’s patients and their families when necessary in areas such as health maintenance,

medication adjustments and end of life issues.

Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and handles all

matters professionally with sensitivity to racial, ethnic, and sexual orientation issues.

Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, residents and the public.

Participate in development and implementation of divisional and/or departmental quality assessment/improvement/research programs and processes as requested.

Contribute toward the achievement of divisional and/or departmental goals.

Participate and contribute in/toward activities that enhance clinical expertise.

Participate in professional clinical activities in the division, community and professional organizations as needed or requested.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Masters in Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Must be a licensed PA by the Virginia Board of Medicine and a certified physician assistant by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Or A licensed RN by the Virginia Board of Nursing and a certified licensed Nurse Practitioner. Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of psychiatry, to perform a complete mental status exam.