Musculoskeletal Care Optimization Registered Nurse - United States Air Force Academy

SUMMARY

Coordinates patient care through a continuum and facilitates the achievement of optimal outcomes in relation to clinical care, quality and cost effectiveness.

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 for the Total Joint Replacement Program.
• 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 MHS GENESIS) 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 Department of Defense (DoD), Military Branch (Air Force/Army/), and Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) 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.
• Ensures all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift. Ensures preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed. Ensures 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.
• Recognizes adverse signs and symptoms and react quickly in emergency situations.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Have and maintain current certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) by the American Red Cross and certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
• Graduated from a nationally accredited school of nursing.
• Must have experience using pharmacological agents in patient treatment and Cardiology testing, the desired effects, side effects, and complications of their use as well as the accurate administration of the pharmacologic agent, including dosage calculations.
• Must have experience with the basic requirements for proper documentation of patient care including medications given, nursing procedures, acknowledgement of teaching, and follow-up care.
• Must have a minimum of twelve (12) months experience working in the setting of ICU, ED, or OR.
• Must be able to read, understand, speak, write English fluently, and be a US citizen.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Ability to maintain 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.
• Ability to synthesize data from a variety of sources and make appropriate clinical decisions.
• Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and quickly react in emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse group of people for the purpose of informing the healthcare team of plans/actions, for teaching/education to benefit the patient/family and organization. Effectively uses appropriate communication format in addressing professional issues.
• Skill in setting up, operating and monitoring specialized medical equipment such as cardiac monitoring devices, EKG units, oxygen analyzers, nebulizers, and other clinic specific equipment.
• Operating Room experience preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

TRAVEL

None.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility or hospital. The environment is normally air conditioned, but conditions may change dependent upon circumstances. Work may need to be performed in a fast-paced environment requiring quick thinking and rapid judgements.  Employee will be exposed to a wide variety of clients in differing functions, personalities and abilities. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids, latex, radiation or other contaminants and safety issues. May be exposed to infection or diseases from contact with patients.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position consists of standing for long periods of time. Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching and to push, pull or lift objects that may weight up to 50 pounds or assisted lift up to 100 pounds. Must be able to stand while wearing up to 25 pounds of PPE for up to 4 hours. It is Katmai’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Pay range: $40.00 per hour.
• H&W: $5.09
• Eligible Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Vacation & Paid Personal Time, 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and Leave of Absence.

Compliance:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply on the company website,  https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/

We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law. https://katmaicorp.com/life-at-katmai/#equal_opportunity Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i)