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Patient Advocate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate and Advocate for the Surgical Patient- Perform preoperative and intraoperative assessments , verify consents, confirm surgical site and procedure, and advocate for patient safety ...

Patient Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Attend and advocate for patients at physician appointments, providing program information and ... Patient-centered mindset with a compassionate, relationship-driven approach. * Strong advocacy ...

Patient Coordinator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Attend and advocate for patients at physician appointments, providing program information and ... Patient-centered mindset with a compassionate, relationship-driven approach. * Strong advocacy ...

Showing results 41-60

Patient Advocate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do patient advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient advocate in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient advocate?

A patient advocate, sometimes referred to as a patient care advocate, supports patients and their families, working to get them the best care available. As a patient advocate, your responsibilities and duties include helping clients understand their treatment options and working with doctors to get the client the best care possible, assisting your client to navigate their insurance coverage, and providing general support to the family throughout the healthcare process.

What is a patient advocate?

Patient advocates are professionals who assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. They help patients understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and medical bills, and often facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. Patient advocates may work independently, for hospitals, or for insurance companies, always with the goal of ensuring that patients' rights and interests are represented. Their support can be especially valuable when dealing with complex medical or insurance issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Advocate, you need a strong understanding of healthcare systems, patient rights, and relevant regulations, often supported by a degree in health services, social work, or related fields. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, case management software, and sometimes certification such as BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate) is valuable. Outstanding communication, empathy, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring patients' voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their care experiences are improved.

What are some common challenges patient advocates face when navigating healthcare systems for clients?

Patient Advocates often encounter obstacles such as complex insurance processes, communication barriers between patients and healthcare providers, and coordinating care among multiple specialists. Advocates must be persistent and resourceful in resolving these issues while maintaining patient confidentiality and trust. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of healthcare policies and patient rights.

What is the difference between Patient Advocate vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient AdvocateMedical Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires certification or training in patient advocacy or healthcare navigationCertified or trained in clinical procedures, EHR, and basic medical skills
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, patient support organizationsDoctor's offices, clinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, insurance companies, patient advocacy groupsMedical practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding patient support roles, advocacy servicesMedical assisting duties, clinical support roles

While both roles work within healthcare settings, a Patient Advocate primarily supports patients' rights and navigates healthcare systems, whereas a Medical Assistant performs clinical and administrative tasks to support healthcare providers. They serve different functions but often collaborate to improve patient care.

What is the career path for patient advocates?

The career path for patient advocates typically starts with entry-level roles such as patient navigator or support coordinator, progressing to senior advocacy positions, program managers, or policy specialists. Gaining experience, developing communication skills, and obtaining certifications like Certified Patient Advocate can support advancement within healthcare organizations or advocacy groups.

What are popular job titles related to Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Patient Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Patient Advocate jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Patient Advocate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Advocate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,779 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

RN - Operating Room

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

$39.69 - $58.17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate and advocate for the surgical patient by performing preoperative and intraoperative assessments, verifying consents, and ensuring patient safety throughout the surgical experience.

  • Manage the surgical environment by ensuring proper preparation, maintenance, and monitoring of the operating room, including equipment readiness and sterility.

  • Facilitate communication among the surgical team, ensure compliance with safety standards, and support perioperative care delivery by delegating tasks and supervising staff.


Presbyterian Healthcare Services rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location Address:
1100 Central Ave SEAlbuquerque, NM 87106-4930
Compensation Pay Range:
Minimum Offer $39.69Maximum Offer $58.17
Summary:
Step into the OR with purpose - join our team of Circulation Nurses and support life-saving care!!
How you grow, learn and thrive matters here.
• Educational and career development options, including tuition and certification reimbursement, scholarship opportunities
• Staff Safety (a wearable badge that allows nurses to quickly and discreetly call for help when safety is a concern)
• Differentials for night/weekend shifts, higher education, certifications and various lead roles (for eligible positions)
• Malpractice liability insurance
• Loan forgiveness through the New Mexico Higher Education Department
• EPIC electronic charting system
Type of Opportunity: Full timeFTE: 0.90Job Exempt: NoWork Shift: Weekend Schedule Friday-Sunday (United States of America)
Responsibilities:
ENHANCED Sign on Bonus and Relocation Available for Qualified Candidates!
The OR RN Circulator provides comprehensive perioperative nursing care by coordinating patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. The Circulator RN serves as the patient advocate in the operating room, ensuring patient safety, adherence to surgical standards, and seamless communication among the surgical team.
  • Coordinate and Advocate for the Surgical Patient - Perform preoperative and intraoperative assessments, verify consents, confirm surgical site and procedure, and advocate for patient safety throughout the surgical experience.
  • Manage the Surgical Environment - Ensure the operating room is properly prepared, maintained, and monitored, including equipment readiness, sterility, environmental controls, and availability of supplies.
  • Facilitate Surgical Team Communication - Coordinate care among surgeons, anesthesia providers, scrub staff, and other team members, ensuring clear communication, accurate documentation, and adherence to surgical safety standards (e.g., time-outs).
  • Ensure Compliance and Safety Standards - Initiate and document perioperative protocols, administer medications per orders, maintain accurate intraoperative records, and respond effectively to emergency situations.
  • Lead and Support Perioperative Care Delivery - Delegate tasks appropriately, supervise LPNs and non-licensed assistive personnel, support orientation of new staff, and participate in quality improvement, shared governance, and professional practice initiatives.

Qualifications:
  • Associate Degree in Nursing
  • State of New Mexico or Compact State Nursing License
  • BLS certification REQUIRED at time of hire
  • ACLS
  • PALS
  • One (1) year of Operating Room/Circulator Experience HIGHLY preferred

We're all about well-being, starting with yours.
Presbyterian employees have access to a fun, engaging and unique wellness program, including free on-site and community-based gyms, nutrition coaching and classes, mindfulness and meditation resources, wellness challenges and more.
Learn more about our employee benefits.
About Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian exists to improve the health of patients, members, and the communities we serve. We are locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.
Our health plan serves more than 580,000 members statewide and offers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid (Centennial Care) and Commercial health plans.
AA/EOE/VET/DISABLED. PHS is a drug-free and tobacco-free employer with smoke free campuses.
Compensation Disclaimer
The compensation range for this role takes into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience and training, internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.
We're Determined to Support New Mexico's Well-Being | Presbyterian Healthcare Services

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About Presbyterian Healthcare Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Presbyterian Healthcare Services exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. We are a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, we are the state's largest private employer with nearly 14,000 employees - including more than 1,600 providers and nearly 4,700 nurses.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Albuquerque, NM, US

Year founded

1908

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