NURSE PRACTITIONER

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant

Expected pay for this position is $56.77-$85.16. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. MDH Benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision 457B and employer match for FT Employees Company paid STD and LTD

Job Summary The Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant works collaboratively with the orthopedic surgeon and clinic team to provide comprehensive care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The NP/PA evaluates new and established patients, manages follow-up care, orders and reviews diagnostic testing, assists with procedures, coordinates surgical care, and helps maintain efficient patient flow within the orthopedic clinic. The position is designed to expand patient access, improve continuity of care, and allow the orthopedic surgeon to focus on patients requiring surgical evaluation and operative management.

Education and Experience

Master’s prepared and licensed in the state of Illinois to practice as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant with specialized focus in orthopedics preferred. Required to have a current CPR certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire date. The APN should have experience in assessment, planning, implementation, diagnosis, and evaluation of a wide variety of patient care conditions. Prior experience in clinic, family practice, or similar setting is desirable.

Job Knowledge

The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) must possess a high level of knowledge that is effectively applied within the APN/patient relationship to achieve optimal outcomes. This includes skills in analysis, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making as it pertains to patient care. The APN should have the following qualifications:

• Strong musculoskeletal assessment skills
• Ability to interpret common orthopedic imaging and diagnostic findings within their scope of practice
• Knowledge of fracture care, postoperative care, and common orthopedic conditions
• Strong clinical decision-making and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with orthopedic surgeons
• Capacity to prioritize multiple patient care and operational responsibilities
• Proficient electronic medical record documentation skills

Additionally, the APN should have or be willing to develop the knowledge and abilities to oversee daily operations in a clinic setting. A basic understanding of regulatory agency standards, such as CLIA, CDC, and OSHA, is required, along with knowledge of clinic and hospital policies, procedures, and practices. Familiarity with medical and technical equipment is essential, as is understanding medical-legal rules and regulations, including child abuse reporting, domestic violence reporting, and elder abuse reporting. The APN should also demonstrate a willingness to continually acquire additional knowledge relevant to the retail clinic environment.

Abilities, Interests and Temperaments

Ability to express thoughts in clear and concise terms, both verbal and written. Ability to problem solve, set priorities and manage care based on scientific principles and professional judgment. Ability to apply basic business skills that will foster a pleasant patient experience from check-in through check-out (including demographic collection, insurance information gathering, etc.). Ability to recognize the need for adjustment and flexibility in patient care so as to maintain quality and efficiency in all types of situation. Ability to accept supervision and constructively utilize input and feedback. Ability to establish positive relationships with patient, families, employees, and others encountered in the workplace. Self motivated and a commitment to strive for continual improvement of professional skills and ongoing improvement within role. Demonstrates dependability, a positive attitude, sense of humor, and ability to accept change while maintaining a commitment to positively represent the clinic and hospital. Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).