Nurse Navigator -Orthopedics

Major Responsibilities:

• A.Navigation Support to Patients
  • 1)Navigates patients through the care process for total joint replacement and/or spine procedures to ensure a positive patient experience and smooth transition of the patient through the continuum of care.
  • 2)Serves as a liaison between physicians, nursing and ancillary staff, and patients and families to enhance continuity of care across the continuum of care.
  • 3)Coordinates the development of evidence based patient educational materials and formal patient education opportunities including Total Joint Replacement and/or Spine classes.
  • 4)Facilitates the development and implementation of evidence based clinical practice protocols.
• Coordination of Orthopedic Programs
  • 1)Collaborates with the orthopedic team to revise and improve all aspects of the Orthopedic and/or Spine Program to achieve clinical outcomes and growth targets.
  • 2)Works with unit leaders to implement and maintain established department, unit, hospital policies and procedures.
  • 3)Responsible for the oversight, maintenance, and compliance of Center of Excellence standards for the orthopedic population at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.
  • 4)Collaborates with the unit CNS to identify staff learning needs and coordinate evidenced based education for the care of the orthopedic and/or spine patient population which results in increased knowledge and improved clinical performance.
  • 5)Assists in the selection, provision and control of resources required for performance of duties to include equipment, supplies, space and facilities; establishes standards to ensure cost containment and to optimize working environment.
• Quality
  • 1)Maintains a Quality Improvement Plan to achieve excellent patient outcomes based on evidence based practices and achieving national benchmarks.
  • 2)Coordinates the collection of data for quality outcomes measures, statistics and follow up of the orthopedic patient. Collaborates with unit leaders, physicians, nursing and ancillary staff to improve orthopedic and spine patient outcomes for safety, infection control, and long term outcomes.
  • 3)Organizes and leads multi-disciplinary teams for promoting and improving services to orthopedic and/or spine population patients.
  • 4)Attends quality committee meetings as requested to report on the orthopedic and/or spine program quality indicators and progress.
  • 5)Partners with the Quality Management Department to develop quality indicators used in assessing performance and patient outcomes.
  • 6)Prepares reports and statistics for administrative purposes.
  • 7)In conjunction with unit and hospital leaders, participates/coordinates in the planning and organization of special events, open houses, and marketing strategies.

Licensure:

• Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing 3 years of nursing experience with the orthopedic/spine patient population

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good communication skills, Good time management and organizational skills, proficient use of patient care equipment, excellent customer service skills, proficient conflict resolution skills, ability to delegate and prioritize care. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• Registered Nurse CPR

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to flex work schedule to meet patient needs including evening and weekend hours. Ability to travel to various physician offices and community events for purpose of education and oversight of the orthopedic program. Ability to travel to various rehab centers, extended care facilities, home care agencies and patient homes. Work environment includes probability of exposure to adverse, hazardous or unpleasant conditions while caring for the sick. Routinely works with potentially infectious patients. Ability to respond to patients in a timely manner and access care areas where patient population receives care.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.