Job Summary:

The Nurse Navigator is responsible for performing a phone assessment and medical history interview of patients prior to admission to the Joint Solutions Center Clinic. The Nurse Navigator is also responsible for performing a physical assessment on Joint Solutions Center Clinic patients prior to surgery and will determine based on assessment findings, testing and facility guidelines, if the patient requires additional optimization. The Nurse Navigator will also work closely with providers and referral sources to navigate patients through the optimization process.  The Nurse Navigator will follow the patient through phone calls and other forms of communication, for 90 days post-discharge. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
• 1-3 years of Orthopedic/Spine Experience
• Current BLS, PALS and ACLS certification
• Cooperative work attitude toward and with co-employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.

Occupational Exposure:

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Practice appropriate telephone and patient triage skills.
• Perform verbal assessment of patient prior to clinic appointment.
• Perform physical assessment of patient prior to surgery and communicate findings and information to appropriate care team members.
• Ensure Joint Solutions Center optimization requirements are met and accomplished.
• Provide education and to patient and family.
• Promote patient safety by assessing physical and psychological needs.
• Refer patients to appropriate resources, as needed.
• Document patient encounters in the medical record.
• Ensure medical record is assembled and complete prior to surgery.
• Alert anesthesia and surgeons of lab results, physical assessments, medical problems or special needs of patients prior to date of surgery.
• Provide education to patients regarding surgery arrival times, NPO status, day of surgery instructions and program specific instructions.
• Perform post discharge phone calls and/or electronic communication for 90 days post discharge
• Demonstrate knowledge of facility’s policies and protocols and contribute to the goals of the Joint Solutions Center.
• Communicate effectively with other team members regarding the needs of the patients.
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize the patient’s needs. 
• Participate in quality improvement activities and committees as requested

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis. The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB CODE: 1000815