Certified Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant

Job Title:

Orthopedic Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary:     

Provides professional medical care for clinic/office patients within the scope of regulations outlined in the New Mexico Nurse Practice Act as a licensed Nurse Practitioner or the New Mexico Medical Board as a Physician Assistant.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Orthopedic physician assistant/nurse practitioner who cares for patients both as outpatients in the orthopedic clinic and inpatients at Artesia General Hospital.  Involved in upper and lower extremity sports medicine and degenerative orthopedic-related care from birth to geriatrics including detailed orthopedic-related medical histories, physical examinations, and ordering/interpretation of diagnostic imaging. Responsible for the development/implementation of non-surgical treatment plans and preparation/first assistance of surgical treatment plans. Works under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate professional practice behavior


• Formulate a plan of care for the patient.


• Implement and modify the plan of care for patients.


• Communicate and collaborate to ensure continuity of care.


• Document patient progress.


• Practice according to NP/PA-specific guidelines/protocols.


• Diagnosis and treatment of problems including, but not limited to: fractures/dislocations, sprains, contusions, degenerative joint disease, rotator cuff tears/tendinopathies, meniscus tears, ACL tears, carpal/cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger.


• In-office procedures: Intra-articular injections of knees and trapeziometacarpals; Subacromial injections of shoulders; Bursal injections of greater trochanter and pes anserine; Tendon injections of distal IT band, medial/lateral humeral epicondyles, DeQuervains; Aspiration of ganglion cysts; Interpretation of EKGs/pre-op blood work.


• Operating room procedures: First assistant duties such as retracting tissue, holding instruments, and performing wound closures.


• Pre-op and post-op care of surgical interventions including, but not limited to: open reductions with internal/external fixation of fractures, rotator cuff repair, meniscal repairs, carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel transposition, trigger finger release and arthroplasties of the knee, hip, and shoulder.


• Inpatient post-op rounding, wound care, admission/discharge order placement status post knee/hip arthroplasties, open reductions with internal/external fixation of fractures, fasciotomies.

REPORT TO:

     The orthopedic physician assistant/nurse practitioner will work under the supervision of the

     orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Marshall Baca, or Dr. Zhinian Wan. The supervising physician will be accessible

     in person or via phone as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITIES:

• Per NP/PA guidelines/protocols as a licensed provider.

AGE-RELATED COMPETENCIES: Demonstrates the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify age-specific patient needs appropriate for this position.

Information Management: Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.

Risk Management/Quality Management/Safety: Cooperates fully in all Risk Management, Quality Management, and Safety Activities and Investigations.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Education – Graduate of an accredited nursing school, MSN required or Graduate of an accredited PA school.


• Work Experience – N/A


• Training – N/A


• License/Certification – Certified Nurse Practitioner in New Mexico. BLS Certified or Certified as a Physicians Assistant in New Mexico. BLS certified

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The work environment consists of daily patient contact, which may include exposure to blood, or other body fluids.