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

Artesia General Hospital; Artesia (NM); On-site; USD 71,483 - 103,003; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Close-knit team dynamics

Exposure to diverse cases and procedures

Job summary

Artesia General Hospital is seeking a skilled Nurse Practitioner for a full-time position in Artesia, NM. This role involves conducting comprehensive patient evaluations, diagnosing conditions, and coordinating care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Candidates must hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing, possess current NP certification, and have a strong background in orthopedic care. The position offers exposure to a supportive team in a small rural hospital environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing or accredited PA program required.
• Current DEA registration or eligibility to obtain one is necessary.
• BLS certification is required; ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Coordinate care with healthcare professionals.

Skills

Orthopedic and surgical experience

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in Nursing

Nurse Practitioner certification

Current unrestricted license to practice

Job description

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.