The Orthopaedic OrthoCare Advanced Practice Provider (APP), consisting of either a Physician Assistant (PA) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), will provide evaluation and management of patients presenting to the University of Florida Orthopaedic OrthoCare walk-in clinic in Ocala, Florida. This clinic functions as an urgent care for orthopaedic injuries. The primary practice location will be the University of Florida Orthopaedic clinic at the World Equestrian Center.
The APP will serve as a primary clinical provider within the Orthopaedic OrthoCare walk-in clinic and will evaluate patients presenting with acute and subacute orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal conditions appropriate for management within the clinic's established scope of practice and patient triage algorithm. The position is primarily clinical and will involve independent patient evaluation and management with collaboration and support from orthopaedic surgeons, non-operative orthopaedic physicians, athletic trainers, and other members of the orthopaedic care team.
The position will generally be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with dedicated weekly administrative time. No call responsibilities or inpatient rounding requirements are expected. Clinical Responsibilities The Orthopaedic OrthoCare APP will evaluate, diagnose, and initiate treatment for patients presenting with a broad range of orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal complaints.
The patient population may include pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with acute or subacute injuries involving the upper and lower extremities. Clinical conditions may include injuries and conditions involving all extremities and joints as well as injuries involving the clavicle and pelvis. The APP may also evaluate selected patients with non-urgent spine or back complaints based on the provider's experience, training, comfort level, and established clinic protocols.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: * Obtaining relevant medical histories and performing focused orthopaedic and musculoskeletal examinations. * Evaluating patients presenting with acute and subacute orthopaedic injuries and conditions in accordance with established clinic protocols and patient triage algorithms. * Ordering, reviewing, and interpreting diagnostic imaging, including plain radiographs, with consultation and assistance from orthopaedic physicians and other appropriately qualified providers as needed. * Developing and implementing initial treatment plans in collaboration with the orthopaedic care team. * Prescribing medications and coordinating additional diagnostic testing or treatment as permitted by licensure, scope of practice, and clinical privileges. * Performing appropriate office-based orthopaedic procedures within the provider's training, experience, scope of practice, and credentialing. * Managing splints, casts, braces, and other orthopaedic durable medical equipment.
(DME and casting technicians always in house at clinic to apply) * Performing therapeutic or diagnostic injections as appropriately trained and credentialed. * Performing selected closed reductions or other minor orthopaedic procedures when clinically appropriate and consistent with the provider's training, experience, comfort level, and clinical privileges. * Providing patient education regarding diagnosis, treatment, activity restrictions, follow-up, and return precautions. * Documenting patient encounters accurately and efficiently within the electronic medical record. * Reviewing and responding to patient messages and other appropriate electronic medical record in-basket responsibilities.
The clinic will have access to durable medical equipment, bracing, casting supplies, and personnel trained to assist with and apply bracing and casting as appropriate. Care Coordination and Orthopaedic Triage A primary function of the Orthopaedic OrthoCare APP will be to appropriately triage patients into the University of Florida Orthopaedic practice and facilitate timely access to the most appropriate orthopaedic specialist when additional evaluation or treatment is necessary.
The APP will independently manage conditions appropriate for initial treatment within the walk-in clinic while identifying patients who require referral for subspecialty care. This sometimes includes seeing patients for a return visit for uncomplicated injuries. Several orthopaedic physicians and providers practice within the same clinical location, allowing for efficient consultation, collaboration, and coordination of patient care.
An orthopaedic surgeon or non-operative orthopaedic physician will be available on site during clinic operations to provide clinical support, consultation, and guidance when needed. Depending on clinic volume and operational needs, an athletic trainer may also be available to assist with patient flow, clinic efficiency, and coordination of care. Practice Environment The Orthopaedic OrthoCare walk-in clinic is a dynamic outpatient clinical environment with patient volume that may vary from day to day.
The successful candidate must be comfortable working efficiently and independently while maintaining a high level of clinical judgment, patient service, and collaboration with the orthopaedic care team. The APP must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to variations in daily patient volume, acuity, and clinical workflow. The position requires the ability to efficiently evaluate a broad range of musculoskeletal injuries while recognizing the limits of the walk-in clinic scope and appropriately escalating care or involving other providers when necessary.
This position does not include inpatient rounding responsibilities or routine call coverage. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience
Master's degree in nursing or Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program. Prior experience in Orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency surgery, urgent care, surgery, or a related clinical specialty is preferred but not required. Credentialing: Must meet requirements set forth by the Medical Staff Office to obtain and retain privileges to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse within UF Health Shands Hospital and/or the Shands UF Healthcare Network, as applicable.
Additional Requirements Specific Area or Specialty -- Orthopaedic OrthoCare: The successful candidate must be comfortable evaluating a broad range of acute and subacute orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries. The ability to perform focused musculoskeletal examinations, review and interpret plain radiographs, and initiate appropriate treatment and referral plans is expected. Experience with orthopaedic procedures, including injections, splinting, casting, bracing, and fracture or injury management is preferred.
Experience with closed reductions or other minor orthopaedic procedures is desirable but not required. The successful candidate must demonstrate sound clinical judgment and the ability to recognize injuries or conditions requiring physician consultation, advanced imaging, emergency evaluation, or referral to an appropriate orthopaedic specialist. Motor Vehicle Operator Designation: Employees in this position will not routinely operate vehicles for an assigned business purpose.
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Current and clear license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant in the State of Florida. BLS is required. The incumbent must be eligible for clinical privileges appropriate to the position and demonstrate the ability to provide clinical care to pediatric and adult patients across a broad range of sports medicine and Orthopedic conditions.
The incumbent must be able to function effectively in both outpatient clinic and operating room environments and work collaboratively with physicians, surgeons, athletic trainers, advanced practice providers, and other members of the health care team.