Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Orthopedic Clinical Assistant provides comprehensive clinical and administrative support to orthopedic physicians and surgeons, ensuring high-quality patient care and efficient practice operations. The Orthopedic Clinical Assistant serves as a vital link between patients and physicians, ensuring optimal patient experience and effective care coordination.

*Travel is required between Hackensack, North Bergen/ Clifton based on operational need*

A day in the life of a Orthopedic Clinical Assistant at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Support physician during clinical hours, as well as administrative duties: This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities aimed at maximizing the physician's efficiency and patient care, ultimately leading to improved patient care and satisfaction. During clinical hours, this could include: Clinical Functions: a. Assists physicians with in-office procedures, including preparing injections, instruments, equipment, and patients. b. Applies braces, casts, and splints as directed by the physician. c. Prepares for clinic days by reviewing charts, ensuring appointments are appropriately scheduled for the care team inclusive of the physician assistant and physician(s). Ensuring timely patient flow through the clinic and coordinating with other healthcare professionals. d. Assists with patient education regarding treatment plans, post-operative care, and medication management. e. Prepares therapeutic injections for administration by the physician. f. Monitors patient flow and coordinates with other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient clinic operations. Administrative Functions: a. Manages physician schedules and appointments. b. Completes physical and occupational therapy plan of care documentation as directed by the physician. c. Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records in the EMR system. d. Processes prescriptions, obtains prior authorizations, and manages medication refills per physician orders. e. Triages patient phone calls and addresses clinical questions within scope of practice and under the direction of the physician. Escalates complex medical questions to the physician. f. Directs patients to the surgical scheduling department and answers general questions about the process. g. Creates and routes referrals for Visco Supplementation to the pre-certification team. h. Maintains inventory of clinical supplies and equipment. i. Prepares and processes pre-authorizations for advanced imaging. j. Manages patient correspondence, faxes documents, and maintains office organization. k. Answering patient clinical inquiries and handling other communication tasks. 
• Directs patients to surgical scheduling department and answers questions regarding procedures
• Coverage of physicians clinical hours/phone calls when not assigned to a specific MD
• Cleaning/autoclaving instruments used in clinical hours
• Independently gathers and documents patient information to assist the physician in clinical assessment.
• Prepares drafts of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and bracing orders for physician review and approval.
• Appropriately and independently handling patient clinical complaints.
• Independently can prepare medications and injections and can instruct others how to draw up medications
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training or Associate's Degree in Nursing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Masters of Science of Athletic Training or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• 1-2 years prior experience with orthopedic care preferred
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
• Previous EMR experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Certified Athletic Trainer or Licensed Practical Nurse or NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License.
• BLS AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!