RN Navigator -Neurosurgery

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Nurse Navigator duties: Focuses on the patient's needs and helps guide the patient through the healthcare system and works to overcome obstacles that are in the way of the patient receiving the care and treatment they require. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems.

Job Overview

The RN Navigator - Ambulatory serves as a liaison between patients, community resources, and providers and supports a smooth transition from outpatient setting to home with a goal of eliminating and/or reducing readmissions, patient satisfaction, and continuity of care across the continuum.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Massachusetts RN Licensure.

2. 3 Years of RN Experience OR 5 Years of Specialty LPN Experience.

2. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for neurosurgery patients, responding to patient portal messages and phone calls in a timely and professional manner.

• Assists patients and families with completing required documentation such as disability forms, FMLA paperwork, and insurance-related documents.

• Helps manage prescription refill requests in accordance with provider instructions and regulatory guidelines.

• Provides education and anticipatory guidance to patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures using principles of adult learning.

• Assesses barriers to care and coordinates resources to address patient-specific needs, including access to follow-up appointments, imaging, or rehabilitation services.

• Collaborates closely with providers, schedulers, and administrative staff to ensure timely, coordinated care delivery.

• Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient interactions, care coordination efforts, and communication with insurers.

• Encourages patients to take an active role in their care planning and helps them navigate complex healthcare decisions.

• Supports clinical and OR operations through effective communication, care coordination, and identification of workflow improvements.

• Assist with pre cert for procedures as needed.

• Suture/Staple removal for postop patients. Manages Neuro Surgery Department Code Cart - Ambulatory Setting Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the needs of the Neurosurgery Department.

• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

1. Occasional lifting of 30-35 lbs and turning patients.

2. Prolonged standing and walking.

3. Occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting.

4. Exposure to infectious disease and possible carcinogenic chemicals.

5. Exposure of blood-borne pathogens.

6. Requires fine manual dexterity to lift and maneuver patients.

7. Requires visual and aural acuity necessary to monitor patient care.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individual patient care programs.

2. Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team.

3. Ability to analyze, evaluate multiple solutions, and solve complex problems using well developed critical & analytical thinking skills.

4. Knowledge of and application of the nursing process.

5. Excellent time management skills needed to prioritize competing priorities.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.