RN Surgical Optimization Specialist

Thedacare•Appleton, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The RN Surgical Optimization Specialist is responsible for facilitating coordination, education and resources for surgical patients to ensure the highest quality of care with the best outcomes for the patient. Collaborates with multiple disciplines and resources to facilitate the coordination of pre-surgical assessments, interventions to optimize surgical outcomes and post-surgical activities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or commitment to obtain within five years. Associate's Degree in Nursing accepted in lieu of BSN for those hired prior to 1/23/17.
WI Registered Nurse license
American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS)

Responsibilities

Triage phone calls with patient medical concerns by routing to a provider or recommending an office visit.
Notify patients of provider recommendations from phone calls and test results.
Demonstrates clinical expertise in the provision of care in the clinical specialty assigned and performs all functions of the RN.
Collaborates with physicians to problem solve and improve patient care.
Demonstrates, anticipates, and proactively manages risks to prevent patient crises.
Review charts of patients prior to surgery to identify exclusion criteria to ensure the patient is appropriately scheduled at the correct surgical location.
Review charts of patients to ensure all needed preoperative labs and testing has been ordered and completed per policy prior to surgery.
Escalate potential contraindications to surgery to the anesthesiologist or surgeon to prevent same day cancellations and 30-day readmissions.
Provide surgery specific education to patients preoperatively.
Follow patients throughout the preoperative period to ensure needed testing is on file and all specialty clearances have been received.
Complete postoperative phone calls to assess for surgical complications, reinforce education and prevent 30-day readmissions.
Assist in the development of a personalized patient-centered care plan, offer emotional support and direction to patients and their family.
Provide care coordination while also providing emotional support and education and facilitate advanced care planning documentation.