Nurse Navigator

Fox Valley Orthopedic; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Fox Valley Orthopedics in Geneva, IL seeks a Nurse Navigator to guide patients through their surgical journey, from pre-operative education to post-operative recovery, coordinating care with surgeons and the multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes clinical support, patient advocacy, effective discharge planning, and clear communication, with a focus on improving outcomes, satisfaction, and access to rehabilitation and support services.

Qualifications

• Educate patients and families on orthopedic care and recovery timelines.
• Coordinate pre-op and post-op guidance to set expectations.
• Collaborate with surgeons, therapists, and staff to optimize care plans.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant patient communications and records.

Responsibilities

• Educate patients and families about procedures and recovery.
• Provide pre- and post-operative guidance on expectations and timelines.
• Coordinate appointments and therapy sessions for a seamless experience.
• Act as primary contact for patients throughout their orthopedic care journey.
• Collaborate with surgeons, therapists, and other providers to optimize care plans.

Skills

Patient navigation

Discharge planning

Communication skills

HIPAA knowledge

Education

RN license in Illinois

BSN preferred

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

FOX VALLEY ORTHOPEDICS Where Innovation Meets Comprehensive, Personalized Care Our team members are critical to our success and growth and are rewarded for their dedication and hard work.

Position Summary

The Nurse Navigator plays a crucial role in guiding patients through their surgical journey, ensuring a seamless experience from pre-operative education to post-operative recovery. This position acts as a liaison between patients, families, surgeons, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate care, optimize patient outcomes, and enhance overall satisfaction. The Nurse Navigator provides clinical support, education, and advocacy while facilitating communication and continuity of care throughout the surgical process.

Job Details

Location: Geneva, Illinois

Status: Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)

Days/Hours: Five 8-Hour Shifts (Monday - Friday)

Pay Rate: $91,000 - $104,000 (based on experience)

Education

Graduate of an accredited school/college of nursing required. Bachelors preferred.

License/Certification

Registered Nursing licensed in the State of Illinois.

Orthopedic Nurse Certification (ONC) required within 2 years of hire.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Experience

3+ years of medical-surgical experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

In-depth understanding of musculoskeletal disorders, surgical interventions, and non-surgical treatments.

Knowledge of surgical procedures, recovery protocols, pain management, wound care, and rehabilitation requirements.

Familiarity with patient navigation principles, discharge planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to educate patients and families on orthopedic care.

Awareness of HIPAA and orthopedic-specific quality measures.

Basic knowledge of insurance processes, prior authorizations, and financial assistance programs.

Proficiency in documenting patient interactions and reviewing clinical notes in an EHR system.

Ability to assess patient discharge planning needs, identify barriers to discharge, and provide appropriate interventions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Capacity to address patient concerns, provide emotional support, and ensure access to necessary resources.

Ability to anticipate challenges in patient care and implement effective solutions.

Skill in managing multiple patients, coordinating discharge plans, and keeping thorough records.

Ability to work with surgeons, physical therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Comfortable using medical software, patient portals, and telehealth platforms.

Ability to support patients through anxiety, fear, and complex decision-making.

Willingness to adjust to changing patient needs and ASC workflows.

Ensuring accuracy in patient records, education, and care coordination.

Confidence in taking the lead in patient care navigation and quality improvement projects.

Understanding and respecting diverse patient backgrounds and healthcare beliefs.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure healthcare environment while maintaining professionalism.

Essential Job Functions

Educate patients and families about orthopedic conditions, surgical procedures, and post-operative care.

Provide pre-operative and post-operative guidance to help patients understand expectations and recovery timelines.

Address patient concerns and answer questions regarding treatment plans.

Serve as the primary point of contact for patients throughout their orthopedic care journey.

Coordinate appointments and therapy sessions to ensure a seamless patient experience.

Work closely with surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to optimize patient care plans.

Assist patients in overcoming barriers to care, such as transportation, insurance concerns, and access to rehabilitation services.

Advocate for patient needs within the healthcare system and connect them to available resources.

Facilitate communication between the patient and multidisciplinary team members.

Review medical records, treatment plans, and other relevant documents to ensure proper follow up care.

Support enhanced recovery protocols and patient-centered care initiatives.

Participate in ASC initiatives to improve orthopedic patient outcomes and experiences.

Collect and analyze data on patient outcomes to contribute to quality improvement efforts.

Develop patient education materials and programs to enhance care delivery.

Attend case conferences and interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient progress and care strategies.

Provide feedback to healthcare teams to improve service coordination and efficiency.

All other duties as assigned within scope and for which competency has been demonstrated.

Physical requirement

This position is classified as Sedentary Work in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally) up to (33% of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (33%-66% of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time Must be able to pass background check. We also conduct pre-employment TB and drug testing. Any job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment TB and drug screen, background check, and obtaining active licensures per job requirements.

About the Company

Fox Valley Orthopedics has been providing exceptional orthopedic care for over 50 years. Since its founding, the strength of Fox Valley Orthopedics (FVO) is its staff and commitment to patient care and service. Built upon a team of accomplished physicians who are leaders in their field, FVO specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of orthopedic conditions, including orthopedic surgery and a variety of specialties. Our staff is committed to providing a superior, comprehensive approach to patient care.