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 (NP) 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 formulates treatment plans for musculoskeletal problems within scope of practice. Implement therapeutic intervention for specific conditions when appropriate. Exercises judgment on problems requiring consultation, referral, or evaluation by the supervising orthopedic surgeon or other health care professionals. Nurse Practitioner may be assigned as needed to assist in surgery as assigned and delegated by the surgeon. Orders, prescribes, dispenses, and administers medication, orthosis, braces, injections, and other orthopaedic devices.

Position provides patient education and may be assigned to assist with research protocols. Assist in triage, 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, physician assistants and physical/occupational therapists. Position may evaluate, screen, and counsel patients on health maintenance and promotes 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 6 months of hire date.

• Two (2) or more years of relevant clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Relevant experience may include orthopaedic, musculoskeletal, ED/trauma, etc. If insufficient applicant pool, department may consider candidates with at least two (2) years of relevant RN experience in orthopaedics or ED/trauma.

• 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, identify major medical problems, and formulate appropriate plans of action.

• 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.

• 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 procedure accurately, infection control, an accurate documentation of medical chart.

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

• 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 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 patients 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.

• Orthopaedic surgery experience.

• Musculoskeletal experience.

• Will be required to travel and provide care at multiple clinical sites as scheduled for the Department.

• Overtime, weekend, and/or evening schedule may be required intermittently.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

• Must be able to obtain UCSD Medical Staff privileges 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.