Nurse Navigator, RN – Spine, Pain & Surgical Care

Want to use your nursing judgment beyond the bedside? As Summit’s Nurse Navigator, you’ll guide patients through their care, solve the problems that delay it, and see the difference your work makes.

This is a new, expanded role at a small, physician-owned surgical hospital, where you’ll know the physicians and team you work with and have real input into how the role grows. You’ll support patients across our Spine and Pain clinic and surgical programs, and you’ll also serve as the Lead RN for BreakThru, our medically managed withdrawal program.

• Why you’ll like this role
• Variety and independence, with work that spans clinic, hospital, and community settings
• Long-term patient relationships, from the first referral through recovery
• Visible impact on patient access, outcomes, and how our programs run
• What you’ll do
• Spine and Pain Navigation
• Guide patients from referral through evaluation, treatment, and follow-up
• Identify and resolve delays involving records, imaging, authorizations, scheduling, and missed appointments
• Partner with providers and clinic staff to improve patient flow and access
• Surgical Episode Navigation (CMS TEAM)
• Identify and follow qualifying surgical patients from pre-op through 90 days after discharge
• Coordinate care transitions with patients, families, surgeons, case managers, and post-acute providers
• Complete post-discharge outreach to address care gaps and help prevent complications and readmissions
• Support quality data, documentation, and performance improvement, and serve as the team’s TEAM resource
• BreakThru Withdrawal Program (Lead RN)
• Serve as the program’s clinical lead and point of contact
• Complete nursing assessments using standardized tools, including CIWA-Ar and COWS
• Work with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and community partners on patient-centered care
• Develop aftercare and discharge plans, and build relationships with referral partners
• Follow up with patients at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to support their recovery and track outcomes
• Educate patients, families, and staff, and support program quality improvement

Qualifications

Education

Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Licensure

Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Kansas, or eligible for licensure by endorsement.

Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred. Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) or similar certification is a plus.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience required. Experience in medical/surgical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or care coordination strongly preferred.

Skills

Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and patient education skills; ability to engage compassionately with patients experiencing substance use disorders and complex surgical recovery.

Knowledge of substance use disorders, withdrawal physiology, and evidence-based withdrawal management protocols.

Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn CMS bundled payment models, value-based care concepts, and care coordination methodologies.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation systems.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities across two program areas simultaneously.
• Commitment to patient confidentiality, dignity, and non-judgmental, trauma-informed care.

Working Conditions

This position works in varied environments including medical office, acute care facilities, operating rooms and recovery rooms, as well as potential for off-premise work and travel. Regularly exposed to patients’ conditions and some unpleasant sights, various odors, noise, bodily fluid, and communicable diseases.

Constant interaction with co-workers, patients, vendors, and general public, which may involve individuals who are angry, upset, or ill. Potential for stressful circumstances to occur.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily an action position requiring walking, bending, stooping, crawling, squatting, and lifting up to 50 pounds. At times must lift up to 75 pounds. Potential for long periods of standing. Must have visual acuity and manual dexterity to interface with the computer and other facility operating systems. Must have auditory acuity to effectively interact with patients and public.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position; does not typically require weekend shifts. Schedule may include on-call responsibilities in support of the BreakThru program.