Orthopaedics - APC- Jefferson Northeast (Per Diem)

Orthopedics Advanced Practice Clinician

The Orthopedics Advanced Practice Clinician (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner + RNFA/Physician Assistant) reports to the Orthopedic Manager and is under the general supervision of the Orthopedic surgeons. Duties include performing all necessary hospital-based documentation, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging, formulating a treatment plan for orthopedic consultations, performing therapeutics and diagnostics procedures, first-assisting in surgery, ordering/prescribing medications and orthotics, and providing on-call coverage. The Orthopedic APC will be an advocate for patients seeking services at Jefferson Northeast and assist in the overall continuum of care. The Orthopedic APC will be expected to practice to the fullest extent permitted under the current state and federal laws. Role will have a rotating schedule and call schedule is rotating.

Clinical Assessment & Management

• Perform comprehensive histories and physical examinations and document findings in the medical record.
• Evaluate orthopaedic patients and develop individualized treatment plans under the supervision of an Orthopedic Surgeon.
• Assess and manage acute and complex chronic conditions, including risks related to medication side effects, immobility, impaired nutrition, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, immunocompetence, and invasive procedures.
• Serve as a first responder for nursing and house staff during patient status changes, acute events, and situations requiring procedural or resuscitative interventions.

Diagnosis

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team in diagnosing acute and complex chronic conditions.
• Order, perform, interpret, and manage diagnostic tests and procedures as clinically indicated.
• Formulate prioritized differential diagnoses and identify complications, initiating appropriate interventions.

Plan of Care

• Identify expected outcomes and formulate, implement, and document comprehensive plans of care for complex acute and chronic health needs.
• Utilize evidence-based practice guidelines and protocols to deliver individualized care across the inpatient and outpatient continuum.
• Prescribe diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions, including medications and procedures within scope of practice and privilege validation.
• Perform advanced therapeutic and diagnostic procedures consistent with granted privileges and demonstrated competency.

Perioperative & Surgical Support

• Optimize orthopedic patients for surgery by ensuring all required consultations, laboratory tests, and diagnostic studies are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist Orthopedic Surgeons in the intraoperative setting, including first assisting, skilled wound closure, and application of post-operative dressings or splints.
• Complete all perioperative documentation, orders, and post-operative care planning.

Trauma & On-Call Coverage

• Provide on-call coverage at a Level II Trauma Center.
• Evaluate, manage, and treat emergent orthopedic and orthopedic trauma patients in collaboration with surgical and trauma teams.

Medication Management

• Order and prescribe medications, including controlled substances Schedule IIV, in accordance with licensure, scope of practice, and an active DEA license.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain ongoing communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Facilitate communication with patients, families, and staff to promote continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings.

Documentation

• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation, including but not limited to:
• History & Physicals
• Daily progress notes
• Plan of care and problem lists
• Procedure and acute event notes
• Transfer summaries and discharge summaries
• Clinic notes and death summaries when applicable
• Ensure documentation reflects patient acuity and meets regulatory and compliance standards.

Professional Practice & Education

• Demonstrate professional practice behaviors, including precepting and mentoring Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner students.
• Engage respectfully and collaboratively with students, residents, and multidisciplinary learners.
• Participate in research initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and analysis of evidence-based practice.
• Actively participate in Advanced Practice Grand Rounds and specialty-specific meetings.
• Maintain required CEUs and membership in relevant professional organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's Degree from an accredited program
• National Board Certification as:
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner + RNFA Certification or
• Physician Assistant
• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant Program (if PA)
• Current BLS certification
• Active Pennsylvania State License by hire date
• Active DEA license by hire date
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and maintain clear communication with staff, patients, and families

Preferred

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Orthopedics
• Prior experience in Orthopedic Trauma
• Experience practicing in an acute care or trauma setting