Orthopedic Registered Nurse - U.S. Air Force Academy

Katmai•Air Force Academy, CO

About The Position

The Orthopedic Registered Nurse provides orthopedic patient care and treatment in Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinics at the U.S. Air Force Academy. The role triages and assesses patients, provides emergency treatment as needed, supports examinations and procedures, administers ordered medications, coordinates referrals and follow-up, and advocates for patients and families. The nurse also manages surgical scheduling, reviews consultation requests, and orders diagnostic studies as instructed by treating clinicians. The position is responsible for safe, quality nursing care consistent with current standards and DHA, Army, and Air Force policies. It includes coordinating clinic activities and quality improvement, interpreting applicable The Joint Commission standards, developing clinic protocols and procedures, and educating and assessing the competence of paraprofessional staff. The nurse documents care thoroughly, recognizes changes in patient condition and abnormal test results, and communicates with physicians and other healthcare team members. Work is full-time in an indoor military treatment facility and may involve additional or on-call hours as needed. The role has no supervisory responsibilities and no travel or driving requirements.

Requirements

Graduate of a nationally accredited school of nursing.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Red Cross, maintained at all times.
Experience using pharmacological agents in patient treatment and cardiology testing, including knowledge of desired effects, side effects, complications, accurate administration, and dosage calculations.
Experience with basic patient-care documentation requirements, including medications given, nursing procedures, acknowledgement of teaching, and follow-up care.
At least 12 months of experience working in an ICU or ED setting.
Current, active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in a nurse compact state or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), or a license from any U.S. jurisdiction.
A valid, current, unencumbered nursing license with no limitations, stipulations, or pending adverse actions, maintained throughout contract employment.
Ability to stand while wearing up to 25 pounds of PPE for up to four hours.
Ability to obtain and maintain required site health screenings and immunizations.
Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security access and background checks.
Ability to obtain and maintain all documents, certifications, and licenses on the credentialing checklist for initial hire.
Excellent written communication skills for accurate written and electronic documentation, including telephone contacts, within required timelines.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a diverse group to inform the healthcare team, educate patients and families, and address professional issues using appropriate communication formats.
Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and respond quickly in emergency situations.

Responsibilities

Triage and assess patients presenting to Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinics, determine treatment priorities, and provide emergency treatment as required.
Assist with management and follow-up of patients and serve as a patient and family advocate.
Coordinate referrals for patients with special needs.
Administer medications as ordered.
Assist with surgery in the Operating Room and minor clinic procedures as needed, and support physicians’, PAs’, and podiatrists’ examinations and treatments.
Handle patient complaints as appropriate.
Manage surgical scheduling for orthopedic and podiatric surgeries using the S3 surgery scheduling system, maintaining appropriate provider surgical loads and filling schedule gaps.
Review consultation requests from other clinics and make appointments as appropriate.
Order X-rays, MRIs, and other studies as instructed by the treating clinician.
Provide safe, quality nursing care consistent with current practical standards and DHA, Army, and Air Force policies.
Coordinate with healthcare team members to improve clinic efficiency and meet multidisciplinary patient needs.
Stay current with applicable The Joint Commission standards, interpret them for the clinics, and develop policies and procedures with clinic staff to meet those standards.
Screen established patients and telephone calls to assess condition severity and the need for physician intervention.
Communicate with physicians about determinations and situations, document events, and review patient medical records, including surgical reports, to assess medical history and healthcare needs.
Assess psychosocial factors, including cultural practices, understanding, cooperation, care expectations, and coping mechanisms.
Recognize and report abnormal test results, changes in symptoms, and follow-up needs.
Prepare patients for high-risk, painful, or stressful procedures through education and support, and ensure complete documentation.
Establish clinic patient-care protocols based on current nursing and medical knowledge, including telephone triage and surgery processing.
Educate, train, and assess the competence of paraprofessional staff performing clinic protocols.
Coordinate quality improvement efforts with the clinic chief and other staff.
Clean and store equipment at the end of each shift, ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed, and maintain a safe work environment.
Follow emergency, fire, safety, and infection-control policies and procedures, and maintain a professional, cooperative manner.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance and perform other duties as assigned.