Description

Position Summary
The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) – provides comprehensive orthopaedic care in both clinic and surgical settings under the supervision of a licensed orthopaedic surgeon. This mid-level role includes independent patient evaluation and management within scope, first-assist duties in the operating room, inpatient rounding, and call participation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive histories and physical examinations; develop diagnoses and treatment plans within scope
• Evaluate and manage patients independently in clinic, emergency, and inpatient settings as appropriate
• Order, interpret, and document diagnostic tests including imaging and laboratory studies
• Administer injections, medications, suture wounds, manage post-operative and follow-up care
• Apply and remove casts, splints, immobilizers, and braces
• Assist with fracture and dislocation reductions, joint aspirations, and in-office procedures
• Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, and post-operative care
• Serve as first assistant in surgery as credentialed and permitted by licensure and training
• Prepare and ensure availability of surgical equipment, implants, and instrumentation
• Perform inpatient rounds, admissions, discharges, and daily progress notes
• Participate in call coverage, including emergency department consultation and inpatient care
• Document patient encounters, orders, and progress notes in the electronic health record
• Coordinate care with physicians, nursing staff, therapy services, and administrative teams

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program OR accredited Nurse Practitioner program (FNP, AGNP, or equivalent)
• Minimum of 2–5 years of clinical experience preferred; orthopaedic or surgical experience strongly preferred
• Operating room and first-assist experience preferred

Licensure and Certifications 

• Current PA certification by NCCPA OR current NP certification through ANCC/AANP
• Active Wyoming PA or NP license (or ability to obtain prior to start date)
• Wyoming Board of Pharmacy registration and DEA registration (or ability to obtain)
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• Ability to obtain and maintain hospital and surgical facility privileges
• Medical malpractice coverage as required by the practice and affiliated facilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of orthopaedic conditions, procedures, and post-operative care
• Proficiency in office-based procedures and injections
• Strong clinical judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, physicians, and staff
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with supervising physicians
• Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation

Physical Demands

• Regular standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and use of hands
• Ability to assist with patient positioning and transfers; occasional lifting of patients or equipment with assistance
• Vision abilities including close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Clinic, hospital, and operating room
• Exposure to radiation, infectious disease, and surgical environment