Nurse Navigator - Bariatrics

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team. Job Summary Department: Bariatric Program Schedule: Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Status: Full Time | Day Shift About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and self-directed Nurse Navigator to join our Bariatrics Program. This is an exciting opportunity for an RN who thrives in a collaborative, project-focused environment and enjoys autonomy, innovation, and continuous improvement. While previous bariatric experience is not required, the ideal candidate will have strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills, with a passion for quality improvement and operational excellence. You will play a key role in guiding patients through their bariatric journey, while also driving initiatives that enhance program outcomes and efficiency. A Day in the Life As a Bariatric Nurse Navigator, you will serve as the central point of contact for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, guiding them through the continuum of care. Your day may include: · Meeting with patients to provide education and pre/post-operative teaching · Coordinating with bariatric clinics and surgical teams for follow-up care · Reviewing patient and program data to identify quality improvement opportunities · Leading or supporting up to three quality/operational projects annually, per program requirements · Collaborating with physicians, surgeons, and multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline processes What Makes Our Bariatrics Program Stand Out Our Bariatrics Program is recognized for its patient-centered approach, multidisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement. We take pride in delivering exceptional outcomes and personalized care, supported by a team that values innovation, compassion, and excellence. Here, your ideas matter—you’ll have a real voice in shaping quality initiatives and improving patient experiences across the continuum of bariatric care. Career Growth & Development We are deeply committed to supporting your professional growth through: · Tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities · Leadership development programs · Access to system-wide quality and project management initiatives · Opportunities for advancement within clinical leadership and program management tracks The Nurse Navigator facilitates access to medical care for patients. Helps the patient/families navigate through possible barriers to care and ensures the patient is able to get medical access and referral resources in an efficient and expedited manner. Communicate effectively with patients, their families and their health care providers while offering medical guidance, education, support and advocating for patients to ensure proper coordination of care. The Nurse Navigator integrates education, research, management, leadership and consultation into their roles to achieve quality outcomes and to retain patient care within the Memorial Hermann Health System. Job Description What We’re Looking For We’re seeking a professional who demonstrates: Independence and self-motivation Strong analytical thinking and ability to meet project deadlines Effective communication and collaboration with physicians and system leaders Adaptability and initiative in identifying process improvements A genuine interest in operational and quality projects that improve patient care Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing; Bachelors of Science Nursing degree required Licenses/Certifications Registered Nurse, current license and in good standing in the state of Texas Basic Life Support certificate Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Three (3) years of nursing experience in intended practice Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and have the ability to teach, analyze and problem solve with relative ease. Must have good decision making skills. Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the CQI process. Principal Accountabilities Works closely with physicians in all specialty areas to coordinate patient’s care plan communication; works with multidisciplinary team to maintain and implement up-to-date coordinated care plan. Communicates with all members of the healthcare team on behalf of the patient. Uses clinical protocols to refer patients to appropriate specialist for diagnosis or treatment and assists patients and their families in obtaining referrals to needed specialists. Streamlines care path transitions and logistical issues. Provides support and counseling, as appropriate to the clinical situation. Triages patients’ clinical issues. Offers psychosocial/emotional support to patients/SO. Facilitates access to support networks and psychosocial assistance. Performs patient follow up post procedure/treatment. Educates patients/significant other (SO) on disease specifics and treatment options to enable patient-led treatment decisions. Provides disease specific material to patients. Facilitates patient/SO introduction to clinical trials. Builds relationships with referring physicians and potential referring physicians through education of physicians, office staff, attendance at departmental meetings, and through marketing calls. Coordinates services for physicians’ patients as requested by physicians. Serves as liaison between clinical specialists and family physicians. Documents physician contact where appropriate. Works with Nursing Leadership to create a work environment that facilitates and encourages nursing staff to demonstrate accountability for their own practice, an environment that empowers registered nurses at all levels of the organization to utilize critical thinking skills and to participate in decision making that affects their nursing practice. Participates in organizational and community initiatives to improve the professional practice of nursing and quality of patient outcomes/care. Responds to in-hospital consultations requested by nurses and documents accordingly in the medical record. Builds public awareness through presentation of lectures at meetings, participation in health fairs, and assistance with WEB site development. Practices in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, Texas Nurse Practice Act, ONS Professional Standards, Code of Ethics for Nursing and the institution’s nursing philosophy, professional practice model, and patient care delivery model and nursing strategic plan. Attends national/regional/local conferences pertinent to intended practice. Maintains knowledge of professional and industry trends. Reports monthly statistics. Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service. Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff. Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues. Other duties as assigned. Together, we’re creating an environment where exceptional care can flourish. It starts with you.