Ortho/Neuro Navigator, Full-Time, Days at Beacon Health System – Elkhart, Indiana

Beacon Health System is hiring a full-time, day-shift Ortho/Neuro Navigator for Outpatient Surgery at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, IN.

Type: Full-Time/FTE 1.0 (40 hrs/wk)
Shift: Day
Shift Details: M-F, 7a-3:30p
Be a Beacon. Make a Difference.

At Beacon Health System, you’re not just part of a team, you’re part of something bigger. Every patient interaction is a chance to lead with compassion, build trust, and create lasting impact. Here, your expertise supports healing, and your heart connects us to the communities we serve.

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance through Cigna

Life Insurance

403(b) Matching Retirement Fund

Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)

Shift Differentials

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition and Certification Reimbursement

Clinical Ladder Program

Local and National Discounts

Beacon Academy Educational Courses

Gym Membership Discount

About Elkhart Hospital

Elkhart General Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital located in Elkhart, Indiana. Our full-service, 357-licensed-bed hospital has served the community for more than 100 years with a variety of services including: Emergency Department; radiology; orthopedics; maternity, pregnancy and childbirth; behavioral health; imaging and lab; genetic counseling; DaVinci robotic surgery. As part of Beacon Health System, patients have access to providers not only at this location, but can also access resources and services from across the entire health system. ​

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• Reports to the Director of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery or designee. Collaborates and consults with physicians, Ortho/Neuro Coordinator, nursing care team members and other healthcare providers in the coordination of care delivered to the Total Joint Replacement and Spine patients. The navigator is responsible for the patient's experience throughout the continuum of care from initial referral or identification of surgery to post-discharge follow up care. The navigator works collaboratively with the surgeon’s office and leads the coordination of care prior to surgery and through the early post discharge planning process, involving various care team members and family or designee. The navigator advocates to eliminate barriers to a timely discharge, enhance the patient experience and promote the business performance of the Joint Replacement program and Spine Program. The navigator role is multifaceted and includes but is not limited to the role of liaison, educator, coordinator, advocate, facilitator, collaborator, supporter, and coach which aid in developing a cohesive relationship between the patients, their families, and the healthcare team.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Facilitates the patient experience by guiding patients across the care continuum by:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for orthopedic joint and spine patients, physicians, staff, and ancillary contracted services at designated facility.
• Facilitates timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic tests and procedures to expedite the plan of care and to promote continuity of care.
• Conducts pre-surgery risk assessment and evaluates factors for post procedure plan of care or discharge.
• Provides education and educational material to patient and caregiver regarding pre-surgical expectations, surgical procedure, and post-operative care.
• Communicates the post discharge plan to the interdisciplinary team.
• Performs follow-up phone calls after discharge and contributes to post-acute care planning to assess effectiveness of program and to ensure patients understand and comply with lifestyle changes for future spine injury prevention and/or to clarify any outstanding concerns; assess patients knowledge of discharge instructions including medication adherence provides and reinforces education as needed regarding medications, dietary regime, and diagnosis.

Contributes to the Joint and Spine programs’ development, implementation, and ongoing review within the healthcare system by:

• Collaborates with ortho/spine navigators across the Beacon Health System to standardize patient care and education of the Joint/Spine patients using evidence-based guidelines.
• Initiates and maintains positive working relationships with key members of the healthcare team (surgeons, surgical services, ancillary departments, etc.)
• Participates in strategic planning and envisioned growth of the programs.
• Identifies and participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Participates in designated committees and/or service line meetings.
• Assures compliance with regulatory requirements and acts as liaison between organization and certifying bodies.
• Participates in community outreach events related to the Joint or Spine Programs.
• Development and implementation of staff education as it relates to ortho/spine.

Performs data analysis and clinical data base management by:

• Works with essential departments for data collection, tracking and reporting outcomes supporting strategic planning goals.
• Serves as expert on program core measures and ensures key stakeholders are aware of core measures and all performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintains The Joint Commission database.
• Manages and maintains the digital navigation system.
• Participates in the tracking of metrics and patient outcomes in collaboration with administration in order to document and evaluate outcomes of the program and reports findings to the appropriate committees and/or Ortho/Spine Coordinator.

Demonstrates professional growth by:

• Contributes to program development, implementation, and on-going evaluation within assigned facility
• Contributes to knowledge base through activities such as involvement in professional organizations and presentations.
• Promotes lifelong learning and evidence-based practice by self and others to improve patient care.
• Participates in inter-professional committees appropriate for the population navigated.
• Achieves and/or maintains professional certification.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• • Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• • Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
  • Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
  • Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
  • Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
  • Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
  • Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
  • Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
  • Complies with established organization and department policies.
  • Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.
• Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:
  • Leverage innovation everywhere.
  • Cultivate human talent.
  • Embrace performance improvement.
  • Build greatness through accountability.
  • Use information to improve and advance.
  • Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing. The successful completion of a Nurse Practitioner program with prescriptive authority in the state of Indiana is preferred. Previous clinical navigation or project coordination and management will compliment this position. Additionally a minimum of two years experience in the clinical setting of orthopedics, neurosciences or musculoskeletal area is also preferred. A valid and current RN license in the state of Indiana and BLS certification are required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires thorough knowledge of clinical care practices and procedures to meet targeted patient populations (AANS, AAOS, NAON clinical guidelines and Joint Commission core measures)
• Working knowledge of computer hardware and software including desktop applications, Clinical Data Management applications and tools (Microsoft products such as Excel, WORD, and powerpoint)
• Demonstrates clear, effective communication skills, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Demonstrates well developed interpersonal skills necessary to promote and maintain cooperative, courteous, and sincere relationships with patients, family members, physicians, staff, and the public.
• Demonstrates effective analytical and problem solving skills.
• Requires ability to independently prioritize and organize work activities and work effectively under pressure.
• Must demonstrate strong management of material resources, computer programs and time management skills.

Working Conditions

• Works in various environments with frequent changes in job demands.
• Requires travel to referral sources, satellite and other locations.
• Work hours will fluctuate based upon the needs of the patients served.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.