RN Navigator Neurosurgery

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

2180 Clinton Ave S, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14618

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

910114 Neurosurgery Clinic

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCE 214

Compensation Range:

$76,689.00 - $103,521.00

Responsibilities:

The Neurosurgery Nurse Navigator is an experienced registered nurse responsible for coordinating the clinical evaluation and referral process for patients entering the Neurosurgery program. Working collaboratively with the Neurosurgery Referral Coordinator, the Nurse Navigator ensures timely, appropriate, and patient-centered access to neurosurgical care by reviewing referrals, determining clinical urgency, and facilitating communication among patients, referring providers, and the multidisciplinary neurosurgical team.

The Nurse Navigator serves as the primary clinical resource for referral triage and care coordination, collaborating with neurosurgery physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), clinic nursing staff, administrative personnel, referring providers, and regional locations. The role promotes transitions of care, supports timely access to specialty services, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Clinical Referral Review & Triage – Review referrals to determine clinical acuity, urgency, and appropriateness of evaluation. Determine required pre-visit imaging/testing and provide clinical decision support for referral prioritization.
• Referral Coordination & Scheduling Support – Collaborate with the Neurosurgery Referral Coordinator to ensure referrals are processed according to established guidelines and coordinate the appropriate provider and appointment timeframe.
• Provider & Patient Communication – Serve as the clinical liaison between referring providers, primary care, neurosurgery physicians, APPs, clinic staff, regional practices, and patients to facilitate timely communication, explain referral requirements, and provide clinical rationale for referral decisions.
• Care Coordination & Patient Access – Monitor referral workflows to identify delays, barriers to care, unfulfilled referrals, and opportunities to improve patient access and continuity of care. Assist APPs and staff with patient communication as needed.
• Documentation, Quality Improvement & Process Enhancement – Maintain accurate and timely documentation of referral reviews, patient interactions, clinical decisions, and care coordination activities within the electronic medical record. Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and recommend workflow improvements to enhance efficiency and the patient experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) and 3 years of Nursing experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• If candidate is currently an Associates Degree RN, nurse has 5 years to complete BSN

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Competence in critical thinking, interpersonal relationships and technical skills required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure upon hire required
• Certification in Nursing specialty area upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.