Physician Assistant (Nephrology)

Physician Assistant (Nephrology)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $103381 - $178294 Per Year

Job Summary: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Our hospital provides primary care and specialty health services, including bariatric surgery, mental health care, palliative and hospice care, suicide prevention, women's health care, and more. Below, you'll find our address and hours, parking and transportation information, and the other health services we offer at Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Major Duties:

• Clinical: Conducts history and physical exams and develops a plan of care in accordance with standard of care practice and clinical practice guidance established by the attending nephrologist. Clinical duties include daily assessment of the patient, thorough daily review of the chart for vital clinical and laboratory data, planning the dialysis schedule for those with ESKD on dialysis while hospitalized, managing and monitoring dialysis prescriptions, closely communicating on a frequent basis with the dialysis unit charge RN as well as the nephrology attending, and working with the social worker and medicine teams on post hospital follow up plans for continuity of care. The PA is also responsible for monitoring and adjusting dialysis treatments and medications based on lab results, under the supervision of the attending nephrologist. Manages all the patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis who are hospitalized ( typically does not exceed 8-10 patients), an additional 2-3 patients not on dialysis with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease ( as need arises based on total census), writes inpatient dialysis orders, monitors patients' weights, adjusts dry weight/ultrafiltration targets based on volume status assessment, and adjusts medications according to blood pressure and lab values. All these activities will be supervised by the attending physician. Obtains informed consent for dialysis in the inpatient setting if prior one needs renewal. Works with the charge RN of the dialysis unit to provide a list of dialysis patients anticipated for the next day, and ensures all dialysis orders are in place Communicates clearly and frequently with the dialysis unit and the nephrologist about any changes in dialysis plans, new patients being added on for the day, or any clinical concerns for instability while on dialysis. Responds quickly to any alerts from the dialysis unit about a change in clinical status that needs a formal re-assessment. Coordinates continuity of care between the hospital and the outpatient setting, including non-VA dialysis units for continuity of care. Adherence to quality and patient safety standards set forth by the DC VA and the DC VA dialysis unit policies and procedures Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, i.e., hand hygiene. Prescribes and dispenses medications utilizing best practices, under the supervision of the attending nephrologist. Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional requirements. Maintains professional licensing requirements and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends Administrative: Coordinates referrals and evaluation of veterans at the DC Veteran Affairs Medical Center in addition to outside VA's and private sector referrals of Veterans for evaluation and management. Facilitates response/actions to patient inquires for care and treatment provided by the Section. Other administrative duties as needed. Educational: Attends educational activities to maintain certification needs. Completes all TMS training in a timely manner. Participates in educational activities in the Nephrology Section and the Medical Service to ensure updated knowledge of subject content. Makes use of relevant educational materials on an as needed basis (UpToDate, specialty journals via VA access). Work Schedule: 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) 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 CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the next level or grade level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the higher level.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Proficiency in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met: 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 iii. AA 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.(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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-III: 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. v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. Preferred Requirement: At least 2yrs of exposure and experience in a Nephrology setting (outpatient, dialysis or hospital) OR 3yrs of experience in a non Nephrology specialty (Cardiology, Primary Care). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is VN-03. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-01 to VN-03. Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35 pounds, intermittently; moderate carrying (15-35 pounds), intermittently; lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care; pulling, intermittently; pushing, intermittently; reaching above the shoulders, intermittently, both hands required; walking, intermittently; standing, intermittently; kneeling, intermittently; and repeated bending.

How to Apply: To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. To apply for this position online, complete steps 1 and 2 above by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/31/2026 to receive consideration. Please note, this announcement may close prior to the closing date indicated if the position is filled through other means. If you are unable to apply online before the closing date click here and include the CBTF-12904120-26-JP in the Notes field. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-31