St. Joseph’s North Nurse Navigator Guides Orthopedic Patients

Press release from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North:

March 19, 2021

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North orthopedic surgery services includes the unique position of “Nurse Navigator.” Like the flight or sea navigators who safely guided journeys, Krystal Taylor, the hospital’s orthopedic nurse navigator, guides patients completely through orthopedic surgery working with their surgeon.

“Krystal is the person with you from the very start, before surgery, before you even come into the hospital,” said Brynn Ladoniczki, the hospital’s orthopedics nurse manager. “She’s also with you during pre-op, post-op and after discharge. You’ll have your very own person who’s with you each step of the way to make sure you have everything you need.”

“I’m the patient’s advocate,” Taylor said. “I’m there to help you maneuver through each stage, prior to admission, while you are in the hospital and when you go home. I’m here to prepare, educate, inform and help you know what to expect.”

Taylor also has the advantage of being an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). This special designation allows her to do things similar to a doctor and beyond the role of a traditional nurse. She can write orders for physical therapy or home health care, prescribe medications, order nutrition and diet consultations or order equipment like a rolling walker. She can also speak on a surgeon’s behalf and facilitate a discharge so a patient can go home faster.

“Patients appreciate the work of our nurse navigator,” Ladoniczki said. “They like that familiarity and consistency of having that same person with them the whole time.”

Learn more about orthopedic services at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North:

https://baycare.org/hospitals/st-josephs-hospital-north/services/orthopedics

This press release was produced by St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. The views expressed here are the author's own.