Provide direct assessment, diagnosis and formulation/implementation of treatment plan for patients presenting with orthopaedic illness or injury
Provide high quality health care to Kaiser Permanente members in a cost effective manner and in accordance with accepted professional practice standards.Essential Functions: Provide direct assessment, diagnosis and formulation/implementation of treatment plan for patients presenting with orthopaedic illness or injury. Outpatient responsibilities include histories and physicals, preoperative exams, ordering diagnostic studies and medications, screening referrals, scheduling surgeries, and post-operative follow-up. Significant time is spent handling patient inquiries regarding preoperative, intra- operative and post-operative care. Provide surgical services as a first assistant on all coverage with Orthopedic surgeon on regular department surgical rotation. Provide inpatient care by rounding on Orthopaedic surgical patients during mornings and weekends. Responsibilities include writing post-operative orders, charting follow-up notes, changing dressings, removing sutures. Dictate all discharge summaries and write discharge orders for follow-up care in the clinic. Performs other duties as requested. The above care must be documented in writing in patient�s permanent medical record in accordance with accepted medical/legal standards. All medical care must be provided in accordance with accepted practice standards, hospital/clinic protocols (including supervision by a physician) and State licensing guidelines.Basic Qualifications: Graduate of approved Nurse Practitioner program or equivalent requirements to meet State licensure. National certification at time of hire. State RN license at time of hire. State NP license at time of hire. Prescribing registration at time of hire. Thorough and working knowledge of Orthopaedic diseases and injuries and their treatment. Thorough and working knowledge of surgical techniques, with particular emphasis on Orthopaedic procedures. Working knowledge of state health care laws, licensing board regulations and controlledsubstance regulations. Important to know limitations and when to refer patients to the Orthopaedic surgeon. Ability to assess, diagnose and plan effective treatment for Orthopaedic diseases and injuries. Excellent assistant surgical skills, especially with Orthopedic procedures. Ability to use appropriate procedural/testing equipment, to see large volume of patients, and to interface with large physician and support staff. Recognition of normal and abnormal surgical anatomy. Safe patient positioning and padding. Safe tissue handling and retraction techniques. Suturing of deep and superficial tissues. Control of bleeding. Application of post op dressing and braces. Writing post-op orders. Post-op protocols for blood transfusions, fluid balance, oral intake, bowel and urinary care, IV narcotic and other pain management. Post-op protocols for prophylaxis for DVT, mobilization, therapy, dislocation and weight-bearing restrictions. Knowledge of UM requirements for hospitals. Understanding of capabilities of ancillary and support services both IP and OP. Knowledge of documentation and coding requirements for both IP and OP.Preferred Qualifications: Minimum 2 years clinical experience in Orthopaedic setting. Minimum 2 years surgical experience, with emphasis on Orthopaedic procedures.