Summary/Objective
Handles incoming calls from or on behalf of patients who have questions about their orthopedic care, pain medication concerns, or other medical issues to be addressed. Provides case management for orthopedic patients as needed.
- Answer all phone calls from patients with medical concerns that are directed through switchboard or other internal departments
- Determines if patient has had recent trauma, closed reduction, or surgery and manages the patient concerns according to protocols
- Is mindful of the most common medical complications related to surgery and trauma (i.e. DVT/PE, infection, compartment syndrome, and unmanaged pain) and triages per protocols
- Identifies emergency situations and instructs patients to call 911
- Ensures that a valid “Authorization to Communicate” is in effect when speaking about a patient to someone other than the patient him/herself
- Communicates clearly and promptly with physicians regarding serious changes in patients’ condition related to their orthopedic condition for which they are being treated
- Documents all patient phone calls in the electronic medical record upon completion of the call
- Supports a coordinated workflow for patients between triage, medical assistants, and physicians.
- Proactively works with supervisor when it is noticed that physician standards of practice are not currently reflected in protocols
- Strictly adheres to all HIPAA rules and regulations
- Acts as a positive role model in demonstrating excellent patient care and service standards
- Promotes patient education
- Able to skillfully navigate through EPM and EHR in Next Gen, and outside health information systems such as Centricity, McKenzie Portal, etc.
- Has and maintains a current knowledge of orthopedic surgeries, plans of care, conditions, and terminology
- RN Case Management- if assigned 10-15 hours per week.
- Responsible for performing case management with the scope of licensure for patients with complex and chronic care needs.
- Activities include coordination and oversight of care plans and services to promote effective utilization of services and quality patient care.
- Monitors progress over time and initiates changes as needed.
- Assess patient populations to identify those resources or other factors needed to achieve the desired outcome for health maintenance or health improvement.
- Develops professional relationships with community resources
- Ability to oversee and assist the patient with referral navigation.
- Assess patient readiness for change and develop self-management goals.
Competencies
- High level of knowledge, experience, and skill in the area of orthopedic nursing
- Efficient problem solving and decision making skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to type by touch
- Able to plan, prioritize, and multi task
- Prioritize work load daily, weekly and monthly
- Excellent cultural competency skills with patients
- Communicate clearly, concisely and courteously via phone, email and in person
Supervisory responsibilities
- None
Physical demands
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Be able to work on a computer and keyboard for up to eight hours a day.
- Able to walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Able to reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to hear and understand in person and over the phone.
- Able to speak and provide information in person and over the phone.
Education and Experience
- Current and valid Oregon RN License required.
- At least one year of experience as a registered nurse, preferably in an orthopedic, surgical, or acute care setting.
- Knowledge of orthopedic terminology required
- EMR and computer experience required.
- Medical office and hospital experience desired.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Slocum is an AA/EEO Disability/Vet Employer. Slocum has a policy of non-discrimination in the employment and treatment of its employees. Slocum will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, (within legal limits), race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, sex, disability (within ADA guidelines), or any other legally protected class with respect to hiring, recruitment, promotion, demotion, transfer, termination, salary level, or other forms of compensation and employment privileges.