(NP) Nurse Practitioner - Ortho Surgery - Spine - 136990

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas, which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

The Nurse Practitioner works in coordination with medical staff and performs comprehensive and problem focused history and physical exams, interprets and correlates laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and correlates subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establish a working diagnosis. Position conductions hospital rounds, discharge planning, and consultative evaluations. Incumbent works closely with the physician and nursing staff to develop and coordinate a plan of care designed to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of patients and their families. Obtains, compiles, and records patient medical data which may include admission and discharge notes, daily progress notes and results of examination. Implements therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate. Exercises judgment on problems requiring consultation, referral, or evaluation by the collaborating orthopedic surgeon or other health care professionals. Orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthoses, braces, injections, and other Orthopaedic devices. May perform minor procedures within scope of practice such as wound closure and management and incision and drainage.

Position provides patient education and triage, and facilitates medical documentation and coding, patient forms, and other non-patient facing responsibilities as part of the clinical practice. Nurse Practitioner works in a dynamic environment with a multidisciplinary care team, including social workers, financial representatives, medical assistants, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical/occupational therapists. Position may evaluate, screen, and counsel patients on health maintenance and promote utilization of community resources and design, conduct, and/or participate in research studies, manage databases, and perform quality assurance.

• Must be a graduate from an accredited nurse practitioner program.

• California Registered Nurse (RN) license, California Nurse Practitioner (NP) license, and Furnishing License Certification.

• National NP board certification in aligned specialty with the practice area.

• BLS/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Minimum two (2) years of related experience as a licensed Nurse Practitioner in musculoskeletal care or orthopaedic surgery. Spine specialty experience is preferred.

• Theoretical background in anatomy, physiology, general medicine, pulmonary, emergency, and critical care medicine, management of common diseases, concepts of medicine and surgery, therapeutics, including pharmacology, counseling techniques, and interpersonal dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience in performing initial history and physical examination, identifying major medical problems, and formulating appropriate plans of action.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of operating room standards and techniques.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to maintain detailed medical information in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Knowledge necessary for instructing house staff, medical students, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel in all aspects of acute and chronic care. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for patient care and well-being.

• Strong writing skills to prepare clear medical reports, laboratory data, and progress notes, as well as policies, procedures, and protocols for patient care management.

• Ability to perform various medical procedures, for diagnostic studies and therapeutic modalities. Detail, specific knowledge of methods associated with the prevention, evaluation, care, and treatment of acute and chronic Orthopaedic conditions.

• Proven knowledge of common diagnostic tests, exams, and procedures used in clinics. Must understand purpose, required supplies and/or equipment, how to perform the procedure accurately, infection control, and accurate documentation of the medical chart.

• Working knowledge of medical terminology, specializing in Orthopaedic Surgery.

• Ability to be trained in the use of specialized medical equipment.

• Ability to properly counsel patients and families, particularly in delicate or death and dying situations. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care personnel. Ability to maintain good working relationships and communications with physicians in charge, laboratory personnel, and members of the health care team.

• Ability to write orders regarding the execution of patient plans of treatment.

• Ability to assess the status and progress of patients and report this effectively to the physician in charge and other medical care personnel associated with the patient.

• Knowledge of all types of treatment and modalities necessary for the patient's care and well-being, and the skill in recording nursing/medical assessment findings accurately and completely.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to meet strict guidelines and deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility, in order to work effectively with staff, patients, and community agencies in person and on the phone.

• Knowledge of medical ethics and law practices, pertaining to medical and medical socioeconomics.

• Knowledge to code patient care visits and care accurately, and within governmental and UC guidelines.

• Knowledge and experience in the orthopaedic surgery subspecialty of the spine service.

• Outpatient experience.

• Experience working with large healthcare providers.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• May travel to various locations.
• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff Privileges prior to appointment and maintain during employment. Due to advanced practice credentialing eligibility, clinical advanced practice experience must be within the last two years gained through school or work experience.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.
• Current University of California NPIII employees may be hired at the NPIII level pending review and approval by Health Human Resources and the UCSD Advanced Practice Council.