Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (NP/PA)

77 consultants; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

77 consultants is seeking an Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant in Downey, California. This on-site role involves assisting in surgical procedures and managing pre- and post-operative care in a dynamic hospital environment.

The ideal candidate will have surgical experience, particularly in spine procedures, and will participate in a range of responsibilities to support patient recovery and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a surgical first assist in spine procedures.
• Capable of performing in high-acuity, long-duration surgical settings.
• Strong knowledge of surgical methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in orthopedic surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety.
• Educate patients about orthopedic conditions and care.
• Collaborate with surgeons for optimal patient outcomes.

Skills

Surgical first assist experience

Multi-level exposure techniques

Knowledge of spinal anatomy

Communication skills

Education

Board Certified NP or PA

BLS and ACLS certifications

First Assist Certification (if NP)

Tools

EPIC EMR System

Job description

Description

This contract position is an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals looking to contribute to high-quality orthopedic care in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

In this on‑site role, you will play a critical part in providing comprehensive care to patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. You will work closely with a team of surgeons and healthcare professionals, assisting in surgical procedures, managing pre- and post‑operative care, and facilitating communication between patients and the healthcare team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in orthopedic surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort
• Conduct patient assessments and develop tailored care plans
• Monitor and manage patient recovery and response to treatments
• Educate patients and families about orthopedic conditions and post‑operative care
• Collaborate with surgeons and healthcare professionals for optimal patient outcomes
• Document patient care activities and maintain accurate medical records
• Participate in continuous education and training to stay current with best practices
• Provide pre‑operative and post‑operative care to enhance recovery

Requirements

Position: Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant (NP/PA)

Coverage Period: October – March, potential for extension.

Work Environment: Hospital setting.

Schedule: 4x10 hour shifts per week with an expectation to work every other weekend.

Key Responsibilities

As First Assist:

• Engage in complex spine surgeries, including:
  • Multi‑level posterior spinal fusions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral)
  • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), including multi‑level cases
  • Lumbar interbody fusions (TLIF, PLIF, ALIF, XLIF)
  • Adult spinal deformity corrections (scoliosis, kyphosis, sagittal imbalance)
  • Revision spine surgeries (hardware removal, pseudoarthrosis repair, adjacent segment disease)
  • Spinal tumor resections and stabilization
  • Complex decompression surgeries involving multilevel laminectomy, foraminotomy, and facetectomy
  • Trauma‑related stabilization (fractures, dislocations)
  • Minimally invasive procedures requiring advanced instrument handling and visualization
  • Instrumented fusion cases using navigation, robotics, or fluoroscopy
• Preoperative Duties:
  • Review patient history, imaging studies, and surgical plans in collaboration with the attending surgeon.
  • Ensure availability of necessary instruments, implants, and equipment for intricate cases.
  • Participate in surgical site verification and time‑out protocols.
• Intraoperative Duties:
  • Provide dynamic retraction for optimal visualization in deep operative fields.
  • Assist in localization and confirmation of operative levels using fluoroscopic guidance.
  • Maintain hemostasis through appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • Facilitate placement of instrumentation (e.g., pedicle screws, rods) under the surgeon's guidance.
  • Support positioning of interbody devices and grafts.
  • Anticipate the surgeon’s needs to sustain operative flow during extended, complex surgeries.
  • Execute multi‑layer wound closure, encompassing fascia closure, deep and superficial tissue approximation, and skin closure (sutures, staples, or alternative techniques).
  • Adhere to strict sterile techniques and patient safety protocols.
• Postoperative Duties:
  • Apply dressings and manage wound care at the case's conclusion.
  • Assist with immediate postoperative orders and documentation.
  • Facilitate handoff communication to PACU and inpatient care teams.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a surgical first assist in spine procedures.
• Proficient in multi‑level exposure and complex wound closure techniques, including fascia.
• Strong knowledge of spinal anatomy, instrumentation, and surgical methodologies.
• Capability to perform effectively in high‑acuity, long‑duration surgical settings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary surgical team.

Additional Details

Call Schedule: Potential pager call after hours to support urgent surgical cases.

Patient Load: Estimated 2‑3 patients per day, contingent on case complexity.

Team Composition: Multiple providers per shift, with additional support staff.

EMR System: EPIC.

Certifications Required/Accepted:

• Board Certified NP or PA, BLS, ACLS (American Hospital Association), and First Assist Certification (if NP).