Acupuncturist at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority – CHEROKEE, North Carolina

Primary Function

Provides Acupuncture care/services to adult and geriatric patients. The Licensed Acupuncturist provides evidence-informed acupuncture services within a hospital-based clinical setting, with a primary focus on the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. This role supports pain management, functional restoration, and overall patient well-being through integrative, non-pharmacologic interventions. The Acupuncturist collaborates closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, nursing staff, and other allied health professionals to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care while in compliance with Joint Commission standards, hospital policies, and applicable laws and regulations

Job Description

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including evaluation of presenting symptoms, medical history, functional status, and relevant physical, emotional, lifestyle, and dietary factors, in accordance with approved clinical protocols.
• Formulate acupuncture-based clinical assessments and individualized treatment plans that are consistent with patient needs, hospital policies, scope of practice, and clinical indications.
• Explain diagnoses, treatment plans, procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives to patients, ensuring informed consent and patient understanding.
• Administer acupuncture as a primary therapeutic intervention using approved techniques and equipment, in a manner that prioritizes patient safety and infection prevention.
• Provide adjunctive therapies within approved scope, privileges, and competencies, including electroacupuncture, cupping, gua sha, acupressure, manual therapies, and therapeutic exercise recommendations, as clinically appropriate.
• Monitor patient response to treatment, evaluate outcomes, identify adverse events or unexpected findings, and promptly communicate concerns to supervising or referring providers.
• Educate patients and families on self-care strategies, integrative pain management approaches, and post-treatment expectations to support continuity of care.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to support coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Communicate patient status, progress, tolerance to treatment, and outcomes using approved communication processes and handoff standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and care planning activities as assigned.
• Document all assessments, treatments, patient education, informed consent, and outcomes accurately and timely in the electronic medical record (EMR), in compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and regulatory and billing requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information and adhere to information management and privacy standards.
• Comply with infection prevention and control policies, including hand hygiene, equipment cleaning, and safe handling and disposal of sharps and biohazardous materials.
• Maintain current state licensure, certifications, competencies, and hospital privileges as required.
• Participate in performance improvement, quality assurance, and outcomes measurement activities related to integrative pain management and patient safety.
• Support hospital initiatives focused on patient experience and clinical effectiveness.
• Participate in ongoing education, training, and competency validation to support safe, effective, and compliant practice.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a licensed acupuncturist in North Carolina and have passed the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam.
• Graduation from an ACAOM-accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine program
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, with demonstrated focus on musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required and can be obtained upon hire

Job Knowledge

Demonstrated professional knowledge of acupuncture principles, practices, and clinical applications.

· Ability to assess patients, formulate acupuncture diagnoses, develop treatment plans, and initiate or modify therapies as clinically indicated.

· Strong observational skills to evaluate patient presentation, symptoms, and treatment response.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain medical concepts to non-clinical audiences.

· Effective interpersonal skills with a calm, empathetic, and professional bedside manner.

· Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups, including patient and family education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.

· Ability to collect, document, and communicate comprehensive health assessment data, including medical and family history and physical findings.

· Knowledge of the cultural and health characteristics of the patient population served.

· Proficient computer skills, including use of electronic medical records.

· Commitment to ongoing continuing education and maintenance of professional credentials.

• Proficiency rated at 6 months.

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws, and regulations to make decisions. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills in order to be effective.

Supervision Received

The Acupuncturist receives supervision for the Specialty Services Nurse Manager. Position must demonstrate considerable initiative and ability to work independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives.

Responsibility for Accuracy

A high degree of accuracy is required in the proper care of patients. Undetected errors could have minimal to life threatening results. Work is reviewed retrospectively through quality audits.

Guidelines include IHS manuals, Cherokee Hospital policies and procedures, acupuncture textbooks, and Cherokee Service Unit Medical Staff bylaws, rules, and regulations. Guidelines are broadly stated. Professional judgment must be exercised to determine the proper course to be taken in the care of patients.

Contact with others

Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies. Contacts with patients, families, and hospital personnel are to exchange, provide, and obtain information concerning the patient’s physical and psychosocial health care problems, and needs. Contacts with other health care or related disciplines within the hospital are for the purpose of collaboration and consultation. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality are required when dealing with patients and families.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. Will have access to patient records and highly confidential information. Must function with utmost integrity to safeguard this information. Complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations will be subject to disciplinary action

Mental/Visual/Physical Environment

Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients to walk, transfer, or turn. Some physical exertion and stamina are required. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Work Environment

The employee works primarily in a hospital, inpatient or outpatient clinical environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocols for maintaining sterile conditions.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking opportunities to be of service.