Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics, Orthopedics, (San Rafael), Full-Time, Days

MarinHealth Medical Center•San Rafael, CA

8d•$63 - $94

About The Position

The Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics serves as the primary clinical coordinator for surgical patients undergoing total joint procedures. This role combines nursing expertise with care coordination to guide patients through the pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative phases. The Nurse Navigator ensures timely completion of medical clearances, coordinates ancillary services such as physical therapy and home health, provides patient education, and offers emotional support. Acting as a liaison between patients, surgeons, and the multidisciplinary team, the Nurse Navigator promotes safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Requirements

Education: Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate school in a healthcare-related field preferred.
License & Certifications: Current Registered Nurse California license OR Licensed Physical therapist in California OR any other clinical background. BLS Certification (American Heart Association) required.
Experience: Minimum 2 years in surgical or orthopedic care.
Care coordination and patient education experience preferred.
Experience working in the ambulatory clinic healthcare setting.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment with minimal supervision; ability to manage and oversee multiple tasks simultaneously, including high daily call volume.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Diverse and culturally sensitive customer service skills.
Computer skills- Microsoft Word, Excel Experience working with healthcare payor systems preferred.
Clinical Expertise Strong knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures and recovery protocols.
Ability to assess patient readiness and identify risk factors.
Care Coordination Skilled in managing multi-step workflows and timelines for surgical preparation and recovery.
Proficient in coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and external vendors.
Communication & Education Clear, empathetic communication with patients and families.
Ability to provide education on pain management, mobility, and discharge planning.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking Rapid triage and escalation of patient concerns.
Creative solutions for barriers to care (transportation, home health acceptance).
Technical Skills Proficiency in EMR systems, specifically EPIC and Microsoft Office required.
Familiarity with DME and home health processes.
Professionalism & Cultural Competence Respectful, culturally sensitive care for diverse patient populations.
Commitment to patient safety and confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Care coordination and patient education experience preferred.
Experience working with healthcare payor systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Pre-Operative Phase Review patient charts and identify risk factors; initiate interventions as needed.
Ensure completion of medical clearances (PCP, cardiology) and pre-surgical testing (labs, EKG, imaging).
Coordinate pre-admission appointments and pre-op education (booklets, email/mail).
Teach in-person pre-op class for all joint patients .
Submit home health requests and coordinate PT referrals.
Communicate with vendors for implants/DME and process authorizations (medications, equipment).
Provide timeline-based reminders (3 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week) for clearance tasks.
Offer emotional support and answer patient questions regarding surgery preparation.
Surgery Admission Collaborate with hospital staff and ambulatory surgery center , to ensure smooth admission and discharge planning.
Communicate updates to the surgeon’s office and care team.
Post-Operative Phase Conduct follow-up calls (Day 1/Day 2) to assess pain, mobility, and discharge needs.
Monitor completion of PT and home health services; escalate issues as needed.
Assist with DME needs (walker, ice machine, hospital bed) and troubleshoot equipment issues.
Provide education on pain management, bowel regimen, and recovery expectations.
Triage patient messages and calls; escalate to Physician Assistant for medication refills or complex concerns.
Support opiate tapering and post-op pain management plans.
Team & Practice Responsibilities Maintain audit-ready documentation in EMR.
Communicate effectively with surgeons, PAs, schedulers, and hospital staff.
Participate in department meetings and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
Uphold safety standards and patient confidentiality.