NURSE PRACTITIONER

Artesia General Hospital•Artesia, NM

49d•$52 - $75•Onsite

About The Position

The Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) works collaboratively with the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon to provide comprehensive orthopedic care in the outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital setting, and surgical environment. The NP/PA evaluates and manages orthopedic patients independently within the scope of practice, conducts inpatient rounds on hospitalized orthopedic patients, and assists the surgeon during operative procedures. The position requires excellent clinical judgment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This is a hospital-employed, full-time outpatient practice opportunity with inpatient consultation. The work week is 4.5 days per week with one half day dedicated to administrative tasks such as charting, patient follow-up, and care coordination.

Requirements

Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
Current Nurse Practitioner certification.
OR Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
Current NCCPA certification.
Current unrestricted license to practice in the state of employment.
Current DEA registration (or eligibility to obtain).
Current BLS certification required.
Strong knowledge of orthopedic conditions, treatment modalities, and surgical procedures.
Ability to independently evaluate and manage patients within scope of practice.
Proficiency in interpreting diagnostic studies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Demonstrates the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify age-specific patient needs appropriate for this position.
Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.
Cooperates fully in all Risk Management, Quality Management, and Safety Activities and Investigations.

Nice To Haves

Orthopedic, surgical, emergency medicine, sports medicine, or related clinical experience preferred.
Prior surgical assisting experience preferred.
ACLS certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations, including obtaining medical histories and performing physical examinations.
Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for patients with musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic conditions.
Order, interpret, and review diagnostic tests, including laboratory studies and imaging.
Provide patient education regarding diagnoses, treatment options, postoperative care, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
Perform follow-up evaluations and monitor patient progress.
Apply casts, splints, braces, and other orthopedic devices as appropriate.
Perform office-based procedures within scope of practice and competency.
Document patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
Coordinate care with physicians, therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Participate in patient triage and respond to patient questions and concerns.
Conduct daily rounds on hospitalized orthopedic patients under the direction of the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon.
Evaluate inpatient orthopedic consultations and provide recommendations for treatment and management.
Monitor patient progress, review laboratory and diagnostic results, and adjust treatment plans as appropriate.
Coordinate inpatient care with nursing staff, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other members of the healthcare team.
Facilitate patient discharge planning, including follow-up care, rehabilitation needs, and patient education.
Document all inpatient encounters and treatment plans in the electronic medical record in a timely manner.
Communicate patient status and significant clinical findings to the supervising physician.
First assist the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon during surgical procedures as credentialed and permitted by hospital policy.
Participate in preoperative assessments and patient preparation.
Assist with surgical exposure, tissue handling, hemostasis, wound closure, and application of postoperative dressings and immobilization devices.
Participate in postoperative patient management and follow-up care.
Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as directed by the supervising physician.
Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
Ensure compliance with hospital, medical staff, and regulatory requirements.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental meetings.
Assist with development and implementation of clinical protocols and best practices.