RN Nurse Navigator - Orthopedics at Kettering Health Network – Kettering, Ohio

Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system of 13 medical centers and more than 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. We are committed to transforming the health care experience with high-quality care for every stage of life. Our service-oriented mission is in action every day, whether it’s by providing care in our facilities, training the next generation of health care professionals, or serving others through international outreach.

The Orthopedic Nurse Navigator is a professional Registered Nurse who serves as a central clinical and operational coordinator within the Orthopedic Access Hub. This role supports patient navigation and care coordination under the clinical oversight of a Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, ensuring timely access, standardized care pathways, and high-quality patient experience. The Orthopedic Nurse Navigator works collaboratively with the Sports Medicine Physician, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), orthopedic surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams to guide patients through the orthopedic care continuum while removing barriers to care and optimizing patient flow. The delivery of care reflects the mission, vision, values, and nursing philosophies of Kettering Health.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary clinical liaison for orthopedic patients across the continuum of care, from initial consultation through treatment, surgical intervention (if applicable), and post-operative recovery when needed.
• Coordinates patient movement through established orthopedic care pathways under physician-led clinical oversight.
• Assists central access scheduling team in triaging orthopedic referrals from PCPs, EDs, and specialists to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate provider and level of care.
• Participates in scheduling hub referrals to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate orthopedic surgeon based on diagnosis, patient choice, and access availability.
• Supports orthopedic service line quality and growth initiatives (Hub & Spoke, ASC throughput, referral capture) and participates in patient satisfaction efforts.
• Collaborates with physicians, APPs, clinic teams, OR/ASC operations, imaging, rehab, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless care delivery and remove operational bottlenecks.
• Identifies and addresses barriers to care (transportation, social needs, insurance/authorization, health literacy, caregiver support) to minimize delays and maintain in-system care continuity.
• Reviews diagnostic test results and communicate findings to patients in collaboration with and under direction of the provider.
• Joins orthopedic case conferences when needed to coordinate complex cases, resolves access issues, and support pathway compliance.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, and refinement of standardized orthopedic care pathways and hub workflows.
• Assists in tracking and evaluating key department performance metrics and collaborates with leadership to identify improvement opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Requires minimal supervision; self-motivated; able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong problem-solving, organization/time management and prioritization skills
• Demonstrates a caring compassionate attitude toward others; cooperative and approachable demeanor; readily acts as a role model and staff resource.
• Possesses professional communication skills (written and verbal), and computer skills, including email, internet, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience in coordinating a business meeting and/or an interdisciplinary patient care conference.
• Knowledge of standards and guidelines from relevant national organizations and regulatory agencies to all aspects of care.
• Experience with EPIC electronic medical records preferred.

Minimum Education

Bachelor of Science in nursing preferred (required within 5 years of hire)

Required License and Certifications

Licensed in state of Ohio as a Registered Nurse

BLS certification

Orthopaedic Nursing Certification (ONC) preferred

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum five (5) years clinical experience required

Recent orthopedic experience preferred