Orthopedic Registered Nurse - U.S. Air Force Academy

SUMMARY

Provide orthopedic patient care and treatment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Triages and/or assesses current condition and treatment priority of patients presenting to Orthopedic and Podiatry Clinics. Provides emergency treatment as required. Assists in the management and follow-up of all types of patients seen in the Ortho/Podiatry Clinics. Serves as a patient and family advocate.
• Coordinates the initiation and follow-up of appropriate referrals relative to special needs.
• Administers medications as ordered.
• Assists with surgery in the Operating Room and in minor procedures in clinic on an as needed basis. Coordinates and/or provides assistance for physicians'/PA’s/Podiatrists’ examinations and treatments.
• Handles patient complaints as appropriate.
• Manages surgical scheduling (utilizing S3—surgery scheduling system) for Orthopedic and Podiatric surgeries; maintains appropriate surgical load for given provider on any given day, including filling unexpected gaps in the in-surgery schedule.
• Reviews consultations requests from other clinics and appoints as appropriate. Orders X-rays, MRI’s, and other studies as instructed by the treating clinician.
• Responsible for safe, quality nursing care IAW current practical standards in conjunctions with DHA, Army, and Air Force policies.
• Plans and coordinates activities with other health care team members to improve efficiency and effectiveness of Orthopedic/Podiatry clinics' functions to include meeting patient multidisciplinary needs. Stays current with applicable The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and changes.
• Interprets TJC standards for the clinics, develops policies and procedures with clinic staff to meet TJC standards.
• Screens established patients and telephone calls to assess the severity of the patient’s condition and the need for physician intervention.
• Communicates with physicians regarding determinations and situations, documents events appropriately. Screens patient medical records (to include surgical reports) to assess the medical history and determine health care needs.
• Makes psychosocial assessment of patient/family to identify significant cultural practices, the ability to understand and cooperate, and expectations of care and coping mechanisms. Recognizes and reports abnormal test results, changes in symptoms and the need for follow up.
• Prepares patients for high risk, painful or stressful procedures with education and support. Ensures complete, thorough documentation for all procedures.
• Based on current nursing and medical knowledge, establishes protocols for managing patient care in the clinic, including (but not limited to) telephone triage of patients, processing patients for surgery, managing military issues including provides, and any other process that involves patient care.
• Educates, trains, and assesses competence of paraprofessional staff performing clinic protocols.
• Coordinates quality improvement efforts with the clinic chief and other staff.
• Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift. Ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed. Ensure a safe work environment and employ safe work habits.
• Maintains a professional manner and displays a positive cooperative attitude towards patients and other MTF employees. Adheres to and enforces emergency, fire, safety, and infection control policies and procedures.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.