Orthopedic Case Manager, RN

Job Description

Location: Chicago, IL

We are hiring for a Orthopedic Case Manager, RN with a top-ranked orthopedic and spine program located in the US. This position is a full-time, direct hire opportunity.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced orthopedic or acute care RN who wants to step fully into the strategic side of patient care, influencing recovery trajectories, shaping discharge plans, and serving as the central clinical coordinator between the OR, the floor, the rehab facility, and the home. You will work within a well-resourced case management department that values clinical expertise, proactive planning, and strong physician relationships. If you are energized by solving complex logistical challenges while keeping patients and families at the center of every decision, this role offers the scope, the team, and the patient population to do that work at a high level every day.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct pre-surgical assessments for orthopedic patients including functional status, insurance authorization, and post-acute needs.
• Develop individualized care plans aligned with surgical team’s clinical milestones and recovery pathway.
• Perform daily concurrent review of orthopedic inpatients using InterQual criteria and communicate level-of-care determinations.
• Lead discharge planning with PT, OT, and social work to arrange post-acute care placements.
• Monitor orthopedic patients for clinical progress, complications, and discharge readiness; escalate concerns to surgical team.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary conferences for complex orthopedic cases including revisions and multi-level procedures.
• Collaborate with surgeons, PAs, therapists, social workers, and OR coordinators for seamless handoffs.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative expectations, weight-bearing precautions, wound care, and discharge requirements.
• Coordinate home health referrals, PT, OT, DME orders, and verify insurance coverage before discharge.

Qualifications:

• Maintain active, unrestricted Illinois RN license; compact license holders must convert to Illinois licensure before hire.
• Demonstrate minimum 3 years clinical nursing; orthopedic surgery, medical-surgical, acute case management, or utilization review preferred.
• Complete BSN; MSN or graduate coursework in nursing, healthcare administration, or related field preferred.
• Maintain CCM or ACM certification; non-certified candidates must commit to obtaining within 18 months of hire.
• Understand InterQual or MCG criteria, CMS Conditions of Participation, Medicare/Medicaid post-acute care coverage rules.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Epic or comparable EHR; case management or utilization management module experience preferred.

Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• On-site in Chicago, IL
• Day shift, standard business hours

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is approximately $72,000 – $92,000 annually ($34.62 – $44.23 per hour), based on experience and qualifications.

Interview Process:

• Selected candidates will participate in a multi-step interview process, including an initial screening with TalentLNX followed by interviews with department leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer: TalentLNX is committed to equal employment opportunity and a diverse, inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.