Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA) -1395

Job Details

Location: Artesia, NM 88210

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Master's Degree or Doctoral in Nursing (or accredited PA program)

Salary Range: $51.89 – $74.77 hourly

Shift: Day

Job Category: Nursing

Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations, including histories and physical examinations.
• Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic conditions.
• Order, interpret, and review diagnostic tests (laboratory studies, imaging).
• Provide patient education regarding diagnoses, treatment options, postoperative care, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
• Perform follow‑up evaluations and monitor patient progress.
• Apply casts, splints, braces, and other orthopedic devices as appropriate.
• Perform office‑based procedures within scope of practice and competency.
• Document patient encounters accurately and timely in the electronic medical record.
• Coordinate care with physicians, therapists, nurses, and other health‑care professionals.
• Participate in patient triage and respond to patient questions and concerns.

Inpatient Responsibilities

• Conduct daily rounds on hospitalized orthopedic patients under the direction of the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon.
• Evaluate inpatient orthopedic consultations and provide recommendations for treatment and management.
• Monitor patient progress, review laboratory and diagnostic results, and adjust treatment plans as appropriate.
• Coordinate inpatient care with nursing staff, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other members of the health‑care team.
• Facilitate patient discharge planning, including follow‑up care, rehabilitation needs, and patient education.
• Document all inpatient encounters and treatment plans in the electronic medical record in a timely manner.
• Communicate patient status and significant clinical findings to the supervising physician.

Surgical Responsibilities

• First assist the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon during surgical procedures as credentialed and permitted by hospital policy.
• Participate in preoperative assessments and patient preparation.
• Assist with surgical exposure, tissue handling, hemostasis, wound closure, and application of postoperative dressings and immobilization devices.
• Participate in postoperative patient management and follow‑up care.
• Round on hospitalized orthopedic patients as directed by the supervising physician.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and complete medical records.
• Ensure compliance with hospital, medical staff, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental meetings.
• Assist with development and implementation of clinical protocols and best practices.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program, or graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current Nurse Practitioner certification, or NCCPA certification.
• Current unrestricted license to practice in the state of employment.
• Current DEA registration or eligibility to obtain one.
• Current BLS certification required. ACLS certification preferred.

Experience & Skills

• Orthopedic, surgical, emergency medicine, sports medicine, or related clinical experience preferred.
• Prior surgical assisting experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of orthopedic conditions, treatment modalities, and surgical procedures.
• Ability to independently evaluate and manage patients within scope of practice.
• Proficiency in interpreting diagnostic studies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary health‑care team.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Commitment to providing high‑quality, patient‑centered care.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients as needed.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to assist in surgical procedures and perform clinical tasks.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.

Work Environment

• Outpatient orthopedic clinic and hospital/surgical suite settings.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other healthcare‑related hazards per OSHA standards.
• Small rural hospital setting with close‑knit team dynamics.