Job Description: Registered Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse / Medical Assistant
Orthopedic Center of Illinois
Department: Orthopedics / Clinical Operations
Reports To: Practice Manager / Physician
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
License Required: Active RN, LPN, or MA Certification (state-dependent)
Position Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Medical Assistant (MA) provides direct and indirect patient care in a fast-paced outpatient orthopedic setting. This role supports orthopedic physicians and mid-level providers in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients with musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries, and post-surgical needs. The ideal candidate is organized, team-oriented, and demonstrates a commitment to exceptional patient experience.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Patient Care & Clinical Support
- Greet and room patients, obtain and document vital signs, chief complaints, pain levels, and medication reconciliation
- Assist providers during orthopedic examinations, procedures, and minor in-office surgeries (e.g., injections, aspirations, casting, splinting)
- Prepare and maintain exam rooms; ensure all equipment and supplies are stocked and in working order
- Apply, adjust, and remove casts, splints, braces, and dressings under physician supervision
- Administer medications, including injections (vaccines, corticosteroids, viscosupplementation) per scope of practice and state regulations
- Perform phlebotomy, wound care, and dressing changes as directed
- Prepare patients for and assist with fluoroscopy-guided procedures and on-site imaging as needed
- Documentation & Communication
- Accurately document clinical information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in a timely manner
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, providers, and other members of the care team
- Relay test results, imaging findings, and follow-up instructions to patients per provider direction
- Manage prior authorizations, referrals, and prescription refill requests in coordination with providers
- Complete disability, FMLA, workers' compensation, and other clinical forms as requested
- Patient Education
- Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment plans, home exercise programs, activity restrictions, and post-procedure care
- Provide instruction on the proper use of DME (durable medical equipment) such as crutches, walkers, and braces
- Reinforce physician instructions and ensure patients have a clear understanding of their care plan
- Administrative & Operational Support
- Schedule follow-up appointments, referrals, physical therapy, and imaging studies
- Coordinate with surgery centers, hospitals, and ancillary providers for continuity of care
- Maintain compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and all applicable state and federal regulations
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and staff meetings
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Licensure • RN
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program; active, unrestricted RN license in the state of practice
- LPN: Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program; active, unrestricted LPN license in the state of practice
- MA: High school diploma or GED required; completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program preferred; national certification (CMA, RMA, CCMA) preferred or required
- Current BLS/CPR certification required (AHA or ARC)
- Experience
- Minimum 1 year of clinical experience preferred; orthopedic, sports medicine, or musculoskeletal experience highly preferred
- Experience with EHR systems required (e.g., Epic, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, or similar)
- Experience with casting, splinting, or DME application a plus
- Skills & Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in multi-tasking and managing a high-volume patient schedule
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Physical requirements
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Prolonged standing and walking throughout the workday
- Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching
- Ability to lift and assist patients; may require lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally
- Manual dexterity required for clinical procedures
- Exposure to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens; adherence to universal precautions required
Work environment
This position operates in a clinical outpatient setting. The noise level is generally moderate. The employee may be exposed to blood, body fluids, and hazardous materials, requiring use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
