Clinical Nurse Navigator - Surgical Specialties

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides comprehensive clinical and administrative support to healthcare providers, including direct patient care, electronic health record management, coordination of referrals and prior authorizations, and administrative functions essential to clinic operations. This position serves as the day-to-day navigator of clinical needs including, but not limited to: surgery scheduling, navigation between clinic and OR/cath lab, pre- and post-operative vascular education, and direct scheduling/scheduling of procedures, etc., and supervises the development, implementation and organization of the overall program collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Coordinates the efforts between surgeons, Hospital administration, nursing leadership, clinic administration, and staff while tracking the progress of the program and identifying areas that require attention. Is responsible for all program management, report generation and review, process improvement, patient satisfaction and administrative activities of the program. The Clinic RN Navigator works under the supervision of the Clinic Nursing Supervisor or Practice Manager, collaborating as part of an integrated healthcare team to ensure efficient clinical workflow and optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
Current, unrestricted Oregon Registered Nurse license.
Current BLS certification.
The ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
Knowledge of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
Knowledge in clinical equipment including but not limited to: EKG, vital sign monitoring devices, glucometer, scales, various lab testing equipment, etc.
Strong assessment and critical thinking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Proficiency in patient education and health promotion
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks effectively

Nice To Haves

BSN
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
Specialty certification relevant to assigned clinic area (e.g., RVT for Vascular Surgery, CGRN for Gastroenterology).
Bilingual and/or English Spanish speaking.
Minium 2 years of clinical nursing experience.
Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
Knowledge of evidence-based practice and quality improvement methodologies

Responsibilities

Initiates the clinical program project plans as outlined and establishes and maintains project completion schedules.
Ensures that the program meets all applicable state and federal accreditation standards.
Introduce patients to the Health System.
Serves as a consistent contact for patient/family throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Navigates patients between the clinic and OR/cath lab settings, serving as a dedicated point of contact to support efficient patient flow to surgery and reduce incoming patient phone calls and inquiries.
Completes medication list review and provides provider support, including in other areas of the surgical specialties clinic as needed.
Provides individualized information, support and education.
Coordinates appointments for consultations and physician visits.
Notify primary care and specialty care providers when patient is admitted to the hospital if applicable.
Reinforces and assesses pre- and post-operative instructions and provides further education as appropriate.
Responsible for the guidance and coordination of care for patients and their caregivers through the continuum of care.
Ensures data is collected, reviewed and analyzed monthly for display on dashboards. Develops and implements action plans accordingly based on outcomes data. Collaborates with other disciplines using an integrated approach toward achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Responsible for PI and other metrics to determine effectiveness with all levels of care providers to optimize the patient care experience. Compiles and analyses quantitative and qualitative data, including benchmark data, and shares analysis with the leadership team and senior management.
Identifies and anticipates patient and/or provider needs and develops evidence-based quality programs to meet those needs. Ensures delivery of quality services for patients.
Interacts with clinic leadership and Marketing to set up activities and education at the request of the hospital and the request of community groups and organizations
Collaborates with outreach/education coordinators for all service lines in the preparation and delivery of community and professional education programs. Assists in the development and presentation of educational programs geared toward primary care physicians, surgeons, staff and community.
Maintains a thorough knowledge and understanding of evidence based/best practice.
Revises and monitors educational materials to ensure that they are coordinated, understandable and meet the program standards.
Protect patient confidentiality by promoting professional staff communications.
The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position. (reference program education curriculum).
Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments and vascular surgery-specific nursing visits, including pre-operative vascular workups and post-operative follow-up visits
Perform post-operative wound checks, dressing changes, and wound care management for vascular surgical sites, including graft and incision site monitoring, as applicable
Administer medications, injections, immunizations, and treatments as ordered by physicians
Assist with procedures and examinations specific to vascular surgery, including ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, wound vac management, and pre-procedure preparation for OR and cath lab cases
Monitor vital signs and document patient responses to treatments
Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition
Perform diagnostic tests including EKGs, spirometry, glucose monitoring, and CLIA-waived laboratory tests as appropriate to scope of practice
Conduct focused nursing visits for blood pressure monitoring, suture/staple removal, injection appointments, weight checks, and routine procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Monitor and triage Epic InBasket messages in accordance with clinic protocols
Provide telephone triage for patient calls regarding urgent/emergent care and clinical questions
Document all patient interactions, assessments, and interventions accurately in Epic
Manage referrals and coordinate care between specialties
Respond to patient portal messages and telephone calls within established timeframes
Assist with prior authorization requests and coordinate with referral staff as needed
Process prescription refill requests and coordinate with providers as needed
Provide comprehensive patient and family education on disease processes, medications, and treatment plans
Develop and deliver vascular surgery-specific education materials and instructions, including guidance on vascular disease processes and procedures
Counsel patients on post-operative care, medication compliance, and lifestyle modifications specific to vascular surgery, including wound care, activity restrictions, and risk factor management
Support patients in understanding diagnostic procedures and test preparations
Facilitate patient understanding of treatment options and discharge instructions
Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to ensure coordinated care
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and care planning conferences
Mentor and provide guidance to medical assistants and other support staff
Communicate effectively with ancillary departments and external healthcare providers
Collaborate effectively with medical assistants, rooming patients when clinic flow requires additional support
Assist with examination room preparation and ensure adequate inventory of medical supplies
Support front office operations including appointment scheduling and phone coverage as needed
Adhere to all clinic policies, procedures, and safety protocols
Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements including OSHA, HIPAA, and DNV standards
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical outcome measurements
Ensure proper infection control practices and sterilization procedures as indicated
Contribute to maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and staff
Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
Performs other related duties as assigned.