Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics, Orthopedics; San Rafael

Overview

About Marinhealth Marin Health is an integrated, independent healthcare system with deep roots throughout the North Bay. With a world-class physician and clinical team, an affiliation with UCSF Health, an expanding network of clinics, and a new state-of-the-art hospital, Marin Health is growing quickly. Marin Health comprises Marin Health Medical Center, a 327-bed hospital in Greenbrae, and 55 primary care and specialty clinics in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties.

We attract healthcare’s most talented trailblazers who appreciate the best of both the pioneering medicine of an academic medical center and the personalized, caring touch of an independent hospital.

Company Prima Medical Foundation dba Marin Health Medical Network

Work Shift 8 Hour (days) (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

The Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics serves as the primary clinical coordinator for surgical patients undergoing total joint procedures. This role combines nursing expertise with care coordination to guide patients through the pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative phases. The Nurse Navigator ensures timely completion of medical clearances, coordinates ancillary services such as physical therapy and home health, provides patient education, and offers emotional support.

Acting as a liaison between patients, surgeons, and the multidisciplinary team, the Nurse Navigator promotes safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

$62.78 - $78.47 - $94.16

Pre-Operative Phase

• Review patient charts and identify risk factors; initiate interventions as needed.
• Ensure completion of medical clearances (PCP, cardiology) and pre-surgical testing (labs, EKG, imaging).
• Coordinate pre-admission appointments and pre-op education (booklets, email/mail).
• Teach in-person pre-op class for all joint patients.
• Submit home health requests and coordinate PT referrals.
• Communicate with vendors for implants/DME and process authorizations (medications, equipment).
• Provide timeline-based reminders (3 weeks, 2 weeks, 1 week) for clearance tasks.
• Offer emotional support and answer patient questions regarding surgery preparation.

Surgery Admission

• Collaborate with hospital staff and ambulatory surgery center, to ensure smooth admission and discharge planning.
• Communicate updates to the surgeon’s office and care team.

Post-Operative Phase

• Conduct follow-up calls (Day 1/Day
  2) to assess pain, mobility, and discharge needs.
• Monitor completion of PT and home health services; escalate issues as needed.
• Assist with DME needs (walker, ice machine, hospital bed) and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Provide education on pain management, bowel regimen, and recovery expectations.
• Triage patient messages and calls; escalate to Physician Assistant for medication refills or complex concerns.
• Support opiate tapering and post-op pain management plans.

Team & Practice Responsibilities

• Maintain audit-ready documentation in EMR.
• Communicate effectively with surgeons, PAs, schedulers, and hospital staff.
• Participate in department meetings and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Uphold safety standards and patient confidentiality.

Education
:
Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate school in a healthcare-related field preferred.

License & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse California license OR Licensed Physical Therapist in California OR any other clinical background.
• BLS Certification (American Heart Association) required.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years in surgical or orthopedic care.
• Care coordination and patient education experience preferred.
• Experience working in the ambulatory clinic healthcare setting.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, demanding environment with minimal supervision; ability to manage and oversee multiple tasks simultaneously, including high daily call volume.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Diverse and culturally sensitive customer service skills.
• Computer skills
  - Microsoft Word, Excel
• Experience working with healthcare payor systems preferred.

Competencies

• Clinical…