Registered Nurse

RN - Orthopedic/Clinical, OPA

Orthopedic Physicians Alaska seeks a highly skilled, dedicated and professional nurse to join our rapidly growing and dynamic team. At OPA, employees enjoy work-life balance, competitive salaries, and comprehensive medical, dental, FSA or HSA, life, and disability insurance, as well as profit sharing, 401(k), and paid time off starting at three weeks per year.

Ideal attributes

• Considers compassionate, skillful, patient care a top priority
• Takes ownership for personal growth and development
• Works as a team for the good of the team and its commitment to patient care
• Calm demeanor and functions well in an emergency
• Serves as a role model and resource for peers
• Able to maintain good relationships and communicate well with patients, families, staff and physicians

Representative duties

• Obtains, verifies, and records health history of patients. Gathers pertinent health data through physical assessments and biological samples. Collects specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Provides basic patient care as ordered. Administers medications and treatments as directed. Assists other health care professionals in performing exams, diagnostic procedures and treatments, and minor medical procedures. Adheres to infection control/safety guidelines and confidentiality policies.
• Documents assessments, interventions, patient/family responses, medication dispensed/prescribed, and test results in medical records.
• Promotes wellness by providing patient education materials, and communicating physician advice/instructions.
• Fulfills patient care responsibilities as assigned that includes checking schedules and organizing patient flow for best overall efficiency; accompanying patients to exam/procedure room; assisting patients as needed with walking transfers, dressing, collecting specimens, preparing for exam, etc.; collecting patient history; performing screenings per provider guidelines; assisting physicians/physician assistants with various procedures; charting; relaying instructions to patients/families; providing pertinent information/test results to physician/physician assistant; application/knowledge and/or patient education of durable medical equipment.
• Fulfills clerical responsibilities as assigned that may include sending/receiving patient medical records; obtaining lab/X-ray reports, hospital notes, referral information, etc.; completing forms/requisitions, forwarding to records for scanning, acquiring physician/physician assistant signature as needed; scheduling appointments; verifying insurance coverage and patient demographics; managing, updating and preparatory chart reviews ensuring information is complete and/or filed appropriately; comply with HIPAA, confidentiality and records release guidelines; answer/return calls timely; serve as liaison between physician/physician assistant and others.
• Fulfills environmental responsibilities as assigned that includes setting up instruments and equipment according to department protocols; cleaning exam/procedure rooms, instruments, and equipment between patient visits to maintain infection control; cleaning sterilizer according to scheduled maintenance program and keeping appropriate records; ordering, sorting, storing supplies; and restocking exam/procedure rooms.
• Fulfills organizational responsibilities as assigned including respecting/promoting patient rights; responding appropriately to emergency codes; sharing problems relating to patients and/or staff with immediate supervisor.
• Fulfills clinical nursing responsibilities according to state law, which may include medical/surgical asepsis, sterilization, instrument wrapping and autoclaving; checking vital signs or menstruations; physical examination preparations; clinical pharmacology; drug administration through various routes including injections; prescription verifications with physician's orders; minor surgery assists including surgical tray set-up pre/post-surgical care, applying dressings, and suture removal; biohazard waste disposal and monitoring; therapeutic modalities; instructing patients with assistive devices, body mechanics, and home care; laboratory procedures including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines; quality control methods; CLIA-waived testing; capillary punctures and venipuncture; electrocardiography, emergency triage, and first aid within the scope of training/knowledge.
• Other duties as needed or assigned.

Environment and equipment operated

Equipment Operated: Phone, computer, medical charts, stethoscope, echocardiography (EKG) machine, ear-washing instruments, blood pressure cuff, speculums, and other nursing items. May involve use of walkers, wheelchairs, pulse oximetry, and oxygen tanks.

Work Environment: Medical exam and treatment rooms and medical offices. Environmental setting (lighting, temperature, air quality, acoustics) controlled.

Knowledge and skill requirements

Knowledge

• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Familiarity with health care systems, regulations, policies, and functions. Understanding of documentation standards.
• Knowledge of equipment, supplies, and materials needed for medical treatment. Understanding of basic laboratory procedures including preparation and screening.
• Knowledge of infectious disease management and control and safety standards.

Skills

• Skill in reading and following written and oral medical orders.
• Skill in initiating appropriate emergency procedures.
• Skill in handling a number of tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in performing blood draws.

Abilities

• Ability to use manual dexterity to perform medical treatments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and diverse patient populations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations for drug dosages.

Mental/Physical requirements

• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards. Daily standing, squatting, walking, bending, and maneuvering. May require lifting up to 50 pounds to transfer/turn patient with/without assistive devices. Stress can be triggered by workload and difficult patients.

Required qualifications

• Education: ASN or BSN from accredited school of nursing.
• Experience: Minimum one year of RN experience, preferably in an orthopedic setting.
• Other Requirements: Current state RN license. Current CPR certificate

The mission of OrthoAlaska, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska division is to provide the finest orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care in North America through quality, patient-centered care. Each of our physicians and surgeons works in concert with a certified orthopedic surgical physician assistant and other staff to provide patients an individualized care-team experience. Currently, we have offices in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Eagle River. Employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment and exposure to a full range of orthopedic care with orthopedic, injury walk-in, and rheumatology clinics, an imaging center, athletic training and physical, occupational and massage therapy. OPA values quality, patient-centered care, personal fulfillment through continuous improvement, team development, and community service. We welcome applicants who embrace our same core values and possess a daily renewed attitude of excellence. OPA benefits include health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.