RN Nurse Navigator – Full Time
USPI Arizona Specialty Hospital is searching for a Nurse Navigator to join our Pre‑OP PACU Department at the Arizona Specialty Hospital, a specialty inpatient hospital dedicated to orthopedic and spinal surgery excellence.
Job Summary
The Nurse Navigator is responsible for the entire care pathway of orthopedic and/or spine patients, serving as a liaison throughout the continuum of care. The role requires collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, Pre‑Op, PACU, OR staff, PT providers, facility leadership, and key members of the surgeon’s office. In addition to day‑to‑day clinical duties, the Navigator participates in data collection, analysis, and reporting of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Position Responsibilities
- Works closely with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement the patient’s care plan through assessment of the patient’s physical, educational, and psychosocial needs.
- Serves as an essential link between patients and all other healthcare providers.
- Provides continuous support to the patient through their continuum of care, from pre‑op to post‑discharge.
- Contacts patients to schedule preadmission testing as ordered by the physician (lab work, chest X‑ray, EKG, CT, hospitalist clearance).
- Ensures PAT results are relayed to the ordering physician.
- Obtains health and medication history from patients prior to surgery.
- Reviews records for appropriate orders, History and Physical, applicable clearances, labs, X‑ray, and EKG to assess patient’s health status.
- Uses nursing judgment to refer high‑risk surgical patients to a hospitalist for review.
- Provides preoperative instructions during prescreening phone calls.
- Facilitates scheduling of the pre‑operative education class for the patient and care partner.
- Conducts patient rounds on assigned patients at least once during their hospital stay.
- Facilitates scheduled follow‑up calls to promote compliance with discharge instructions, mitigate risk of preventable ER visits/admissions, and confirm PT and post‑op visits to physicians.
- Models Expected Behaviors for Patient Centered Care and is passionate about the patient experience.
- Ensures all necessary follow‑up/action items are completed, reported, and documented to close the loop.
- Works as a team member, encouraging and promoting a culture of caring.
- Participates in QAPI activities, PROM reporting, and completing EDGE requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Hold and maintain a current Arizona license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
- BSN preferred.
- BLS required.
- ACLS preferred.
- Minimum 3‑5 years of experience in a hospital setting, participating in the care of surgical patients; orthopedic and spine experience preferred.
- Passionate about patient education.
- Clinical expertise to apply sound judgment for optimal patient care.
- Strong communication skills to instruct patients, family members, and staff.
- Self‑directed with strong interpersonal, organizational, and computer literacy skills.
- Accepts and supports changes in work assignment related to schedule and patient needs.
- Ability to participate in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, systems, change theory, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective quality outcomes.
- Ability to utilize specialized principles of utilization review/management, care coordination, transfer coordination, discharge planning, or case management.
- Demonstrates ability to work as a team member and communicate directly and professionally; flexible, reliable, productive, patient‑oriented, and self‑motivated.
- Maintains professional conduct and appearance.
Benefits
- Health, Dental & Vision Coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Company Paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Health Savings Account/ Flexible Spending Account
- Education Assistance