Payroll Title

PAT NAVGTR CLIN 4 HX

Department

OPC ORTHOPEDICS CLINIC

Hiring Pay Scale

119,400 - $230,800 / Year

Worksite

Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

100%

Union

HX Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

Days, 8 Hour Shifts, Monday - Friday

#137767 Spine Nurse Navigator

Filing Deadline: Fri 12/19/2025

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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 12-12-2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

This position offers a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of patients undergoing spine surgery while working in a supportive and innovative healthcare environment. If you are a dedicated and compassionate Orthopedic Nurse with a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team.

Utilizes specialized knowledge and skills within major areas of focus, such as patient / family, nurses and nursing practice, and the organization / system. Provides specialized clinical education in regards to treatment and liaisons with the patient's clinical service providers to address specific concerns. Has in-depth specialty expertise and focus.

Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Orthopedic Nurse Navigator to join our spine surgery team. As an Orthopedic Nurse Navigator, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating patient care and ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for individuals undergoing spine surgery. You will act as a single point of contact and resource for patients, staff, physicians, and administrative personnel, facilitating patient education, care coordination, and post-operative follow-up. Your expertise as a Registered Nurse with orthopedic clinical knowledge will be crucial in promoting evidence-based clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Patient Coordination: Initiate patient coordination from the entry point into the spine surgery process, ensuring a smooth and organized patient journey throughout the continuum of care.
Pre-Surgical Care Coordination: Review scheduled patients to ensure timely completion of educational material, patient assessments/questionnaires, and pre-surgical care coordination in alignment with established timelines and algorithms.
Individual Care Plans: Initiate, identify, and develop/modify individual plans of care in coordination with the appropriate orthopedic program team members, considering patients' developmental levels, physical/emotional needs, and support system requirements.
Communication: Effectively communicate with physicians, healthcare team members, patients, and families to facilitate evidence-based, quality patient care, treatment planning, patient satisfaction, and discharge planning.
Patient Education: Develop, coordinate, and document patient education and care, serving as a primary resource for patients and families during their diagnosis and treatment period. Assess patients' learning style and health literacy to provide education at an appropriate level.
Post-Operative Care: Conduct follow-up phone calls and video visits after discharge, contribute to post-acute care planning, and assess the effectiveness of the program. Address patient concerns, reinforce education, and clarify discharge instructions, including medication adherence and dietary regimes.
Evidence-Based Practice: Coordinate and facilitate an evidence-based practice/performance improvement interdisciplinary orthopedic care team, staying current with emerging trends in bone and joint health.
Data Analysis and Quality Improvement: Gather, analyze, and present program data at committee meetings, perform concurrent and retrospective reviews to ensure quality of care, and develop action plans using best practices and research findings.
Care Coordination: Ensure timely access to care, coordinate and facilitate appointments and services, and encourage adherence to treatment plans, protocols, and follow-up care through the continuum of patient care.
Advocacy and Support: Advocate for patients and families, establish close collaboration with physicians and multidisciplinary team members, and provide access to internal and external resources as needed.
Documentation and Reporting: Track program metrics, quality indicators, patient interactions, and progression. Communicate navigation activities to physicians, care team, and leadership.
Continuous Professional Development: Take responsibility for professional development and continuing education to maintain expertise as an Orthopedic Nurse Navigator.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Five (5) or more years of relevant experience.
Requires clinical licensure in relevant discipline.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate care, educate patients, and promote evidence-based clinical practice.
Proficiency in utilizing healthcare software systems for patient management and data analysis.
Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing staffing, clinical, and patient census needs.
Passionate about enhancing patient experiences and improving the quality and safety of care for spine patients.

Preferred Qualifications

California Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with specialized orthopedic clinical knowledge.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

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