Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (with RNFA) - Orthopedic Surgery, Full-time, Days

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to join our Orthopedic Surgery department. This full-time position offers a hybrid practice model combining outpatient clinic support, inpatient patient management, and first-assist responsibilities in the operating room. You will work collaboratively with attending physicians and the interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive patient care across the orthopedic service line.

Clinical Setting

This role spans ambulatory, inpatient, and surgical environments within Northwestern Medicine's orthopedic department. You will conduct patient evaluations, manage acute and chronic orthopedic conditions, and participate in surgical cases as a first assistant.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive health histories and physical examinations
• Provide direct clinical care to assigned patient populations
• Prescribe medications and therapies; order and interpret laboratory tests, imaging, and procedures within clinical privileges
• Evaluate patients to determine need for further healthcare
• Document all care, education, and procedures in the medical record
• Refer patients to other disciplines as appropriate
• Serve as a consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise
• Integrate evidence-based knowledge and clinical expertise in clinical decision-making
• Provide comprehensive teaching to patients and families
• Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community
• Participate in quality improvement and research initiatives
• Mentor graduate students in advanced practice and patient care
• Participate in unit, departmental, divisional, or hospital committees and task forces
• Maintain professional appearance, manner, and presentation
• Serve as a role model and preceptor to students
• Provide formal education to internal and external groups
• Maintain all required certifications and continuing education

Schedule

• Monday through Friday
• Daytime call coverage in collaboration with attending physicians
• No overnight or weekend call responsibilities currently required

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited school of nursing OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program
• For APRNs: Acute care certification required (inpatient experience as an NP may be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
• For APRNs: First Assist Certification
• Current Illinois Registered Nurse license (for APRN candidates)
• Current Illinois Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license (for APRN candidates)
• Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board (for APRN candidates)
• OR Current Illinois Physician Assistant license (for PA candidates)
• Ability to apply for controlled substance license and DEA number
• Privileged and credentialed through Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of inpatient and surgical APP experience
• Orthopedics experience

Benefits

Northwestern Medicine offers competitive benefits including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits. Detailed benefits information is available on the Northwestern Medicine career page.