Nurse Navigator - Perioperative Dept.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Coordinates the Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) program and guides self-referred patients through the colorectal cancer screening (CRC) process. This position plays a pivotal role in coordinating patient care, ensuring timely and efficient diagnostic and screening services. In addition, this position involves guiding patients through the healthcare continuum, from initial consultation to post-procedure follow-up, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and current RN Iowa license required (BSN preferred but not required)
• BCLS certification required
• 2 years + of clinical nursing experience strongly desired
• At least 1–2 years of experience in gastroenterology/endoscopy, perioperative care, or procedural nursing preferred

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Reports to Perioperative Managers

DIRECT REPORTS:

None

POSITION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Guide patients through pre-procedural and pre-operative setting ensuring safe, seamless, and timely transitions across the continuum of care.
• Collaborate with patient and provider to determine plan of care based on healthcare needs.
• Act at the liaison between the patient and provider to prioritize referrals of high-urgency cases based on diagnosis and clinical indicators, such as bleeding, cancer, or abnormal findings in preparation for case request which could require additional testing or appointment coordination.
• Medical record review

• Review reason for endoscopy procedure or request.
• Review chart for pertinent medical, surgical, or prior procedure findings to determine if patient eligible for screening or diagnostic procedure.
• Review medications and other health indicators to assess for anesthesia consultation.
• Collaborate with patient, primary care provider, and other health care team members to ensure proper clearances are obtained prior to procedure.

• Utilize collaborative process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the options and services required to meet health related needs of patients.
• Responsible for collaborating with the patient, family, surgeons, primary care provider, anesthesia and other members of the healthcare team to develop individualized care.
• Knowledgeable of the prior authorization process.
• Document and communicate results to patients and primary care providers, ensuring 100% follow-up consistency.
• Quality improvement: Participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Monitor key performance indicators, including colonoscopy completion rates, no-show rates and bowel prep adequacy.
• Coordinate care between providers and provide patient education at the right level of care.

• Develops and coordinates educational materials
• Provides detailed education to patient and/or family regarding gastrointestinal procedures, preparation requirements, expected outcomes, and post-procedural care.
• Provide detailed pre-procedure instructions, including:

• Medication management
• Dietary instructions and other prep-related guidelines.
• Acts as a consistent resource for patients, ensuring understanding and addressing concerns.

• Other duties as assigned.
• Contacts include but are not limited to co-workers, medical staff, volunteers, patients, and public (in person and on the telephone).