GIRMC Orthopedic Clinical Program Coordinator

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Acts as the single point of contact for all patients undergoing joint replacement surgery and other complex orthopedic procedures at GIRMC. Works closely with patients, providers, and nurses, while maintaining a presence at the bedside to ensure an excellent experience from the time surgery is booked, through preadmission evaluation, postoperative care and complete recovery. Directs patients to resources and assists with accessing clinical and supportive care services offered by GIRMC and in the community. Acts as an advocate, educator and counselor for patients at the bedside. Tracks patients in the program as well as facilitates communication with the primary nurse, specialists and the patient. Participates in quality and data collection programs as necessary to ensure maintenance of external certifications of orthopedic excellence.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Supports the continuity of care for optimal patient outcomes; performs telephone follow-up calls on patients post hospitalization, at regular intervals as appropriate.

3. *Identifies and addresses barriers to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment, connects patients with the appropriate healthcare and community resources.

4. *Responsible for coordinating all aspects of care from the time a patient is booked for a complex orthopedic procedure, through their hospital stay and the pre-determined post-operative period.

5. *Receives notification of complex orthopedic case bookings and initiates contact with each patient.

6. *Provides care based on physician orders and the nursing plan of care, in compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care and regulatory agency requirements.

7. Utilizes evidence-based practice or research within clinical practice.

8. *Completes nursing intake assessment for each referred patient; oversees and tracks all patients planned for complex orthopedic procedures. Assesses patient physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural and discharge planning needs.

9. *Collaborates with all members of the orthopedic multidisciplinary team in order to coordinate an optimal patient-centered experience.

10. Participates in medical record review/abstraction of various initiatives. Makes recommendations to management for follow-up actions.

11. Works cooperatively with appropriate department managers/supervisors to develop corrective action plans to improve outcomes. Acts as a consultant/clinical resource person to the manager/supervisor and assists them in monitoring compliance with the improvements needed. Actively participates in program improvements or changes as the program matures or the environment changes.

12. *Coordinates outpatient physical therapy evaluation for home safety and subsequent visits as indicated.

13. *Confirms each patient has completed educational material as indicated, via the appropriate medium, prior to the scheduled date of surgery. Provides education and reinforces the desirability of patient discharge to home following complex orthopedic surgery.

14. Assists patients with acquiring necessary durable medical equipment prior to the date of surgery.

15. *Establishes a daily face-to-face in-hospital encounter with all scheduled orthopedic patients requiring an overnight stay and works with all members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate timely discharge to the appropriate level of care and assesses patient for signs of complications.

16. Establishes periodic contact with all postoperative orthopedic program patients; provides a resource for managing postoperative patient concerns, appropriately triaging patients to the attention of their surgeon, reinforcing preoperative education and further coordinating with ancillary services such as physical therapy.

17. Maintains a written summary of these activities for each patient undergoing complex orthopedic surgery. Provides periodic reporting of these activities to the Medical Director/ Manager of the arthroplasty program or designee, as well as to the other pertinent quality committees.

18. *Assists primary nurse with admission, patient education, troubleshooting, discharge teaching and other issues during the patient's hospital stay as needed.

19. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

20. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

21. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of staff scheduling methods and processes.

4. Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to nursing and practice/service areas.

5. Knowledge of nursing and hospital systems.

6. Knowledge of individual and group behavior management, applied nursing process and quality improvement principles and techniques.

7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

8. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

10. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying.

11. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

12. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

13. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

14. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act. Bachelor's degree in Nursing and participation in progressive education or certification in area of expertise preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of clinical experience caring for post op orthopedic patients required.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.