Orthopedics Total Joint (NP/PA)

Erlanger Health System • Chattanooga, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (NP/PA) in Orthopedics – Total Joint provides high‑quality, patient‑centered care in collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and the broader clinical team. This role is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients with conditions related to total joint replacement. The provider plays an essential part in pre‑operative assessments, post‑operative care, monitoring recovery progress, and managing chronic joint issues. The NP/PA supports optimal patient outcomes by coordinating care across the continuum and contributing to the overall success of the orthopedic service line.

This position is involved in a team-based approach to care. Team members are trained to meet the highest level of function for their role as per the State of Tennessee/Georgia guidelines. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to coordinate care for patients and is trained and assigned to support patients/families/caregivers in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to manage the practices' patient population. Participates in the practice's quality improvement process and performance evaluation.

Requirements

• Master's of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) with successful completion of an accredited Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program OR Graduate of Masters degree- Physician Assistant program
• Knowledge of general nursing principles and practice skills.
• Knowledge of organizational functions, policies and regulations.
• Knowledge of current trends and new developments.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of nursing, applicable to those areas requiring special education.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Orthopedics or clinical setting.
• Current licensure to practice nursing in the State of Tennessee.
• BLS completed prior to going to the unit/ department and maintained going forward.
• Completion of 4 Hours of education specific to Total Ankle, Hip and Knee Replacement upon hire.
• Ability to assess patients, select, develop, implement and evaluate plan of care.
• Ability to administer pharmacological drugs as ordered, perform procedures and operate equipment necessary for patient care as assigned.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.

Responsibilities

• Evaluating, diagnosing, and managing patients with conditions related to total joint replacement.
• Providing pre-operative assessments.
• Providing post-operative care.
• Monitoring recovery progress.
• Managing chronic joint issues.
• Coordinating care across the continuum.
• Preparing patient, performing and assisting with orthopaedic trauma patient care to include casting fractures and wound care issues.
• Performing orthopaedic procedures on patients as assigned by physician.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level