Overview:

RN Navigator - Surgical Services

Allen Hospital, Waterloo, IA

Full-time Days

Coordinates day to day care of the post-surgical patient including the various preop/intraop/postop experiences. Specially looks at patient resources, support, assessments, referrals, education, care coordination and general guidance through the continuum of care for this patient population. Promotes communication between the patient/patient family and health care providers, eliminate barriers to care, and ensure timely delivery of services.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, contributes professional nursing knowledge and skills in the provision and management of care to patients and their families. Collaborates with physicians and other health care workers, to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care while maintaining a practice environment that reflects the ANA Code for Nurses, Philosophy of Nursing at UnityPoint Health within the structure of the Professional Nurse Practice Model and in collaboration with other care givers.

• Provides education to patients, families, providers, caregivers, multidisciplinary colleagues, and the community about the role of the orthopedic/neurosurgery and UnityPoint Health General Surgery. Follows up for completion of any identified patient surveys.
• Assesses the needs of patients and families, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care.
• Develops an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team.
• Serves as primary contact for healthcare team and patients.
• Provides comprehensive documentation of patient encounters, education and referrals.
• Provides and reinforces education in all phases of care including, but not limited to: treatment, care plan, and symptom management
• Helps develop ortho/neuro/general surgery-related education materials as needed.
• Contributes to the knowledge base of the healthcare community through involvement in professional organizations, presentations, publications and research.
• Rounds with patients and specialty physicians, surgeons, hospitalists, etc.
• Delivers high quality care utilizing the nursing process while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required on assigned unit in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care.
• Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
• Evaluates and guides team members through coaching and provides immediate feedback and responds to difficult inquiries and problems. Demonstrates the ability to fairly and consistently interpret, apply and follow personnel policies/procedures.
• Coordinates staff education/in-services/specialized skilled training programs including competencies.
• Collaborates with Director to develop and implement departmental performance improvement activities and assures ongoing staff participation as directed. Implements action plans, monitors supplies/distribution and chart audits as directed
• Reviews feedback from customers, responds, compiles, and analyzes support data and implements procedural changes as appropriate.

• Bachelors in Nursing. Masters in Nursing preferred.
• 2 years experience in care of the surgical patient.
• Current license in the state of Iowa or meets criteria established by Iowa Board of Nursing
• Valid drivers license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Advanced knowledge of field, in-depth knowledge of the whys.
• Ability to maintain current professional expertise. Exhibits discretion and sound judgment in all aspects of the job.
• Promotes positive interpersonal relations and serves as a role model within the department and with hospital personnel. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Microsoft Office basic computer skills.
• Customer/patient focused.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Commitment to our Team For the second consecutive year, we're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare for our commitment to our team members.
• Culture At UnityPoint Health, you matter. Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage youre in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment Were committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement Be an essential part of our core purposeto improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

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