Orthopedic Trauma APP (NP/PA) - First Assist, High-Acuity Trauma Center in Rapid City, SD

Join a high-acuity orthopedic trauma team at a regional trauma center serving western South Dakota. This full-time APP role focuses exclusively on orthopedic trauma and emergency care with operative, inpatient, ED, and clinic responsibilities alongside orthopedic trauma surgeons.

Key points

• Full-time orthopedic trauma APP (NP or PA)
• Trauma/emergency-based practice only - no elective cases
• First-assist opportunities in the OR
• Dedicated orthopedic trauma follow-up clinic
• Predictable annual schedule supporting work-life balance

Schedule

• 164 twelve-hour shifts per year
• 24/7 team coverage
• Typical shifts: 6:30 AM-6:30 PM or 6:30 PM-6:30 AM

Primary responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage orthopedic trauma patients in the ED and inpatient settings
• Daily rounding on hospitalized orthopedic trauma patients
• First-assist in operative procedures with trauma surgeons
• Perform fracture management, splinting, casting, wound care, postoperative care, and other procedures within scope of practice
• Staff and manage a dedicated orthopedic trauma follow-up clinic
• Coordinate care with trauma surgery, emergency medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, and case management
• Educate patients and families about treatment plans, recovery expectations, and injury prevention
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation

Typical cases

• Pelvic and acetabular fractures
• Upper- and lower-extremity fractures
• Common hand injuries
• Routine pediatric fractures
• Other orthopedic trauma and emergency cases requiring surgical/inpatient management

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited NP or PA program
• Current or eligible South Dakota NP or PA license
• National certification (NP) or NCCPA certification (PA)
• Orthopedic trauma, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, or surgical experience preferred but not required
• New graduates with strong interest in orthopedic trauma encouraged to apply
• Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and commitment to patient-centered care

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Annual CME stipend
• Paid malpractice insurance with tail coverage