Description

The Orthopaedic nurse is responsible for utilizing the nursing process (assessment, planning, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation) to provide care to patients.   Nurses will coordinate care, assess patients, do patient education, triage and various other nursing interventions under the direct supervision of the Nurse Supervisor(s) and Orthopaedic physicians.   The nurse will collaborate with physicians and other professionals to implement and evaluate care.  Our team becomes experts in mobility, pain control, communicate and motivations.  

Full-Time, Monday - Friday, No Holidays, No Call, $27.50 - $41.25

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtains, verifies, and records health history of patients.
• Fulfills patient care responsibilities including scheduling and patient flow, assisting patients for exam preparation, charting, and relaying instructions to patients.
• Evaluate, assess and provide treatment under physician’s/Advanced Practice Provider direction.
• Apply and remove splints, casts and dressings.
• Proficient at ordering proper radiology films for physician’s interpretation.
• Coordinate patient care with ancillary personnel (physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, appointment scheduling, radiology, surgery scheduling, home health, home infusion and wound care).
• E-prescribe prescriptions ordered by physicians and Advanced Practice Providers.
• Coordinate surgical equipment needs with hospital operating room staff.
• Remove surgical sutures and staples.
• Fulfills environmental responsibilities including restocking and cleaning exam/procedure rooms to maintain infection control, cleaning sterilizer according to scheduled maintenance program and keeping appropriate records.
• Adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, HIPAA regulations, and quality control methods
• Educates and encourages patients, and when appropriate, supervises family/significant others in implementing best practices for patients’ condition.  Inspires patient to become active participants in their own healthcare-related behavior and provides patient education materials related to diagnosis, treatment plans, and need for follow-up care, for use in promoting wellness.
• Order medical supplies and see that the shelves are kept stocked on a weekly basis for the clinic.
• Receives and manages patient phone calls and portal messages.
• Assist with front desk clerical duties as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Unencumbered ND licensed LPN/RN
• Proficient with office equipment such as computers, dictaphones, fax machines and copy machines.

Preferred 

• Knowledge of orthopaedic anatomy and terminology.
• Knowledge of common orthopaedic conditions and surgeries.
• Knowledge of common medications used during the treatment of orthopaedic patients (particularly analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics).
• Ability to effectively communicate with other medical providers and ancillary personnel.
• Able to manage stressful situations.
• Proficient in prioritizing job functions according to patient and physician need.
• Skilled in educating patients and coordinating patient care.

LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to read, write and speak the English language along with medical terminology.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables. 
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms.   The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel or crouch.   The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move 50 lbs, including assisting patients when required.  Employees are also required to stand, feel objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear.  Employee must have adequate physical ability including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care services.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to work in high stress and high-volume times.

Ability to work in an area of moderate noise

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Ability to maintain confidentiality and promote and support positive working relations among co-workers.