Desired Job Title
Orthopedic Nurse NavigatorOrthopedic Charge NurseRegistered Nurse, SurgeryRegistered Nurse, Cardiology ClinicWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Topeka, USKansas City, KS
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
Verified
This profile is verified using an email address.
SARAH VAN DYKE
Topeka
Work Preference
Summary
Dedicated Orthopedic Nurse with 26 years of expertise including Orthopedic Surgery RN, Orthopedic Clinic RN and Orthopedic Care Manager/Nurse Navigator for total joint replacements. Precepted new nurses and staff as well as onboarding new surgeons to the OR. Provided patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven track record of optimizing patient outcomes and streamlining communication among healthcare teams.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Cardiology Clinic
Ardent
Topeka, KS
03.2026 - Current
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.
- Educated patients and families on heart health management, promoting lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment regimens.
- Coordinated pre-operative assessments, ensuring thorough evaluations before surgical procedures related to cardiovascular health.
- Developed and delivered informative educational sessions for patients and families to increase understanding of cardiovascular conditions and treatment options.
- Streamlined workflow for the cardiology unit, ensuring timely and accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
- Fostered strong relationships with referring physicians by maintaining open lines of communication regarding patient progress and outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Orthopedic Nurse Navigator
Stormont Vail Health
Topeka, KS
05.2021 - 02.2026
- Coordinated patient care across multidisciplinary teams to enhance treatment pathways.
- Educated patients on orthopedic procedures and post-operative care for improved outcomes.
- Managed scheduling and follow-ups for surgical consultations, ensuring timely care delivery.
- Developed educational resources to inform patients about orthopedic health and rehabilitation options.
- Streamlined communication between patients and healthcare providers to facilitate effective care transitions.
- Reviewed patient data to identify trends, enhancing service delivery in orthopedic navigation.
- Mentored new staff on best practices in patient advocacy and navigation processes.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of orthopedic patients to identify individual needs, preferences, and goals for personalized care plans.
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations to facilitate access to resources such as rehabilitation services or home health support for patients upon discharge from the hospital setting.
- Evaluated patient progress throughout their recovery journey, adjusting care plans as necessary to address any complications or setbacks effectively.
- Coordinated pre-surgical assessments, optimizing surgical readiness and minimizing risks during procedures.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates by providing comprehensive discharge instructions and follow-up support.
- Managed postoperative pain effectively using multimodal strategies including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- Facilitated timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic testing and procedures to advocate for patients, expedite plan of care and promote continuity.
- Synchronized care with multidisciplinary team to promote timely follow-up of treatment and supportive care recommendations.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Educated patients on orthopedic procedures, enhancing their understanding and compliance.
- Coordinated patient care plans, ensuring seamless communication among multidisciplinary teams.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional growth and clinical excellence.
Orthopedic Charge Nurse
Stormont Vail Health
Topeka, KS
03.2016 - 05.2021
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care and adherence to protocols.
- Coordinated patient admissions, discharges, and transfers for optimal workflow management.
- Monitored patient vital signs and documented changes to inform treatment decisions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to promote staff development and accountability.
- Led quality improvement initiatives that streamlined processes and reduced patient wait times.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Contributed significantly towards Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Assisted Stormont Vail in receiving Advanced Accreditation and Recertification for total hips and knees with Joint Commission.
Registered Nurse, Surgery
St. Francis Health System
Topeka, KS
12.2000 - 02.2016
- Administered pre-operative assessments to ensure patient readiness for surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to optimize patient safety and care during operations.
- Monitored vital signs and responded swiftly to changes in patient conditions post-surgery.
- Educated patients and families regarding postoperative care and recovery expectations.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Assisted surgeons with various procedures, ensuring timely completion and minimizing patient discomfort.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in surgical nursing care.
- Upheld patient privacy rights while diligently maintaining the confidentiality of medical information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Maintained a sterile operating environment to reduce infection risks for patients undergoing surgery.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment when making decisions related to patient care within the scope of practice as a Registered Nurse.
- Circulating RN specialities included: Orthopedics, NEURO, CV, GEN, GYN, ENT, URO, Plastics, Dental, Robitics
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Washburn University of Topeka
Topeka, KS12-2000
Skills
- 20 years Orthopedic surgery experience
- Orthopedic Charge Nurse Level 2 trauma center
- Orthopedic Clinic care management
- CNOR certified while working as Orthopedic Charge Nurse
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Care coordination
- Phone Triage
- Clinical documentation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Pre-operative planning
- Organizational skills
- Patient education
- Resource utilization
- Clinical assessment
- Multidisciplinary communication
- Healthcare coordination expertise
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Registered Nurse, Cardiology Clinic
Ardent
03.2026 - Current
Orthopedic Nurse Navigator
Stormont Vail Health
05.2021 - 02.2026
Orthopedic Charge Nurse
Stormont Vail Health
03.2016 - 05.2021
Registered Nurse, Surgery
St. Francis Health System
12.2000 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Washburn University of Topeka