Clinical Navigator - Orthopedics, Orthopedics, (San Rafael), Full-Time, Days

ABOUT MARINHEALTH
Are you looking for a place where you are empowered to bring innovation to reality? Join MarinHealth, 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 ever-expanding network of clinics, and a new state-of-the-art hospital, MarinHealth is growing quickly. MarinHealth comprises MarinHealth 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 having the best of both worlds: the pioneering medicine of an academic medical center combined with an independent hospital's personalized, caring touch. 

MarinHealth is already realizing the benefits of impressive growth and has consistently earned high praise and accolades, including being Named One of the Top 250 Hospitals Nationwide by Healthgrades, receiving a 5-star Ranking for Overall Hospital Quality from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and being named the Best Hospital in San Francisco/Marin by Bay Area Parent, among others. 

Company:

Prima Medical Foundation dba MarinHealth Medical Network

Work Shift:

8 Hour (days) (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Job Description Summary:

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.

Job Requirements, Prerequisites and Essential Functions:

Pay Range:
$62.78 - $78.47 - $94.16 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

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.

Qualifications:

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 Expertise
  • Strong knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures and recovery protocols.
  • Ability to assess patient readiness and identify risk factors.
• Care Coordination
  • Skilled in managing multi-step workflows and timelines for surgical preparation and recovery.
  • Proficient in coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and external vendors.
• Communication & Education
  • Clear, empathetic communication with patients and families.
  • Ability to provide education on pain management, mobility, and discharge planning.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Rapid triage and escalation of patient concerns.
  • Creative solutions for barriers to care (transportation, home health acceptance).
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in EMR systems, specifically EPIC and Microsoft Office required.
  • Familiarity with DME and home health processes.
• Professionalism & Cultural Competence
  • Respectful, culturally sensitive care for diverse patient populations.
  • Commitment to patient safety and confidentiality

Accommodation:

Qualified applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application process by contacting Human Resources at 415-925-7040 or [email protected].

 

C.A.R.E.S. Standards:

MarinHealth seeks candidates ready to model our C.A.R.E.S. standards—Communication, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Safety—which foster a healing, trust-based environment for patients and colleagues.

 

Health & Immunizations:

To protect employees, patients, and our community, MarinHealth requires measles, mumps, varicella, and annual influenza immunizations as a condition of employment (and annually thereafter). COVID-19 vaccination/booster remains strongly recommended. Medical or religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law.

 

Compensation:

The posted pay range complies with applicable law and reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Individual pay is set by skills, experience, qualifications, and internal/market equity, consistent with MarinHealth’s compensation philosophy. Positions covered by collective bargaining agreements are governed by those agreements.

 

Equal Employment:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability status, and any other classifications protected by federal, state, and local laws.