Registered Nurse (RN) - Total Joint Nurse Navigator & Pre Surgical Assessment

Riverside Hospital•Smithfield, VA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

This hybrid position combines responsibilities as a Total Joint Nurse Navigator and Pre Surgical Assessment Nurse. The nurse evaluates patients before surgery, coordinates testing and consultations, identifies and escalates perioperative risks, and prepares patients and caregivers for procedures and recovery. The role also guides patients through the total joint replacement care continuum, coordinates interdisciplinary care, supports quality and accreditation activities, and leads education and process standardization for the Hip and Knee Replacement Program.

Requirements

Nursing diploma (ADN or BSN) or program graduate; a high school diploma is required for program graduates.
Two years of registered nurse experience.
Virginia Registered Nurse license through the Virginia Department of Health Professions or licensure in a compact state, required upon hire.
CPR/BLS certification from AHA, ARC, or ASHI, required upon hire.
ACLS Provider certification from AHA, ARC, or ASHI, required within 90 days.
General clerical skills, including use of a computer, copier/scanner/fax machine, and conference phones.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Precise written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-solving skills.
Organizational skills and attention to detail.
Time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in Surgical Services or an orthopedic setting.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive pre-surgical nursing assessments, including medical history, medication review, allergy verification, and review of diagnostic results.
Identify perioperative risks and collaborate with anesthesia providers and surgeons regarding medical clearance.
Coordinate required consultations and preoperative testing, and communicate patient readiness and special considerations to surgical and anesthesia teams.
Educate patients and caregivers on surgical preparation, NPO guidelines, medication management, procedure arrival, and immediate recovery; assess and document comprehension.
Complete preoperative screening calls, appointments, and electronic medical record documentation accurately and on time.
Review patient charts and assess patient condition, history, clinical needs, and psychosocial needs to support readiness for procedures or surgery.
Escalate significant findings promptly, ensure issues are followed up, and involve leadership when needed.
Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing leadership, therapy staff, support services, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate individualized care and improve outcomes.
Guide specialty program patients and families through the treatment continuum and facilitate safe transitions to the next care setting.
Contact surgical patients, including total joint replacement patients, after surgery at designated intervals to reinforce discharge instructions, medications, rehabilitation and recovery plans, and follow-up appointments.
Lead and support the Hip and Knee Replacement Program, including standardizing processes across the care continuum and representing the program on hospital committees as needed.
Facilitate total joint replacement education and staff development.
Lead pertinent collaborative committees, attend quality and other committee meetings as appropriate, and facilitate performance-improvement activity for the total joint program.
Assist organizational leaders in preparing for accrediting-body certification reviews and ensure facility compliance with quality reporting program requirements for total joint replacement procedures.
Monitor patients in applicable populations to meet Quality Program requirements.
Organize daily activities to balance quality care with efficient use of time and resources.
Apply evidence-based standards of practice and document clinical and quality information according to RHS standards and regulatory requirements.