Specialty Nurse - RN - Colorectal Surgery - Waukee

Responsibilities

• Evaluate incoming patient phone calls and electronic messages to determine the urgency of symptoms.
• Provide telephone triage and guide patients to the appropriate level of care.
• Assess preoperative readiness and identify risk factors that may impact surgical outcomes.
• Carefully coordinate preoperative testing, surgical scheduling, and postoperative follow-up care.
• Collaborate with colorectal surgeons regarding urgent issues such as infection, bowel obstruction symptoms, ostomy concerns, or wound complications.
• Carefully coordinate care with primary care providers, gastroenterologists, wound/ostomy nurses, oncology, and other specialties as needed.
• Educate patients and caregivers on colorectal conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and anorectal disorders.
• Provide detailed preoperative and postoperative teaching, including bowel prep instructions, pain management, incision care, ostomy care, diet modifications, and activity restrictions.
• Offer emotional support and resources to patients adjusting to new diagnoses or life changes such as ostomy placement.
• Accurately document all patient interactions, assessments, surgical education, and care plans in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Maintain accurate records of pathology results, imaging, and lab reports, ensuring timely provider review and patient communication.
• Track patient outcomes and coordinate follow-up appointments to promote healing, recovery, and long-term disease management.

Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Iowa.
• Experience: All levels of RN experience will be considered. Prior experience in neurology or specialty care is a plus, but not required.
• Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.