Care Navigator- RN

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Supports and promotes the continuum of care for their patient population. Provides individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to promote optimal outcomes. Works collaboratively with physicians, staff and other providers across the care continuum.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

1. *Collaborates with other healthcare professionals, including post-acute facilities and providers, to develop a plan and facilitate referrals to address needs and barriers.
2. *Facilitates the coordination of patient care services to assure timeliness and excellence in patient care including coordination of services, treatment and communication among the medical team.
3. *Facilitates development, implementation and adherence to clinical and evidence-based guidelines, as appropriate, to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.
4. *Identifies and addresses barriers to timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment, connects patients with the appropriate healthcare and community resources.
5. *Builds therapeutic and trusting relationships with patients, families and caregivers through effective communication and listening skills.
6. *Provides anticipatory guidance, education and psychosocial support throughout the care continuum.
7. *Communicates with patients throughout the continuum of care via face-to-face, telephonic, electronic, etc. as appropriate.
8. *Maintains patient records accurately, completely, timely and confidentially according to procedures. Documents patient encounters and provided services.

1. *Serves as an expert level care navigator and RN resource and provides assistance to the care team.
2. *Assists in the identification and reporting of quality issues, and contributes to the performance improvement plan to assess and improve the quality and efficiency of the program including, but not limited to quality assessment, recommendations for program improvement and patient outcomes measures.
3. *Exhibits behaviors and actions which create a high level of patient/customer satisfaction, which contributes to positive patient/customer relations and which reflect respect for the patient's/customer's rights, needs and confidentiality.
4. *Ensures all patient care is provided in accordance with regulatory and safety requirements which may include Joint Commission, OSHA, state and federal regulations.
5. Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development by staying current in the field by reading related professional literature and undergoing professional educational efforts.
6. *Utilizes nursing judgement and complex assessment and critical thinking skills at level of licensure to provide comprehensive care and support to patients.
7. *Utilizes nursing process to perform care navigator tasks and provide highest quality care to patients.
8. *Establishes and coordinates workflows and participates in best practice initiatives.
9. *Guides LPN Care Navigators in care of complex patients.
10. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
11. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.
12. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for position including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and development needs and annual skill competency verification.
2. Knowledge of nursing theory and practice including leadership skills.
3. Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the human life span.
4. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with health care team members, physicians and diverse patient populations.
6. Ability to analyze information, understand statistics and provide input into the development of policies and procedures.
7. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
8. Ability to operate patient therapeutic equipment and/or machines as relevant to work duties.
9. Ability to balance and prioritize diverse management and clinical responsibilities.
10. Ability to assess and interpret data reflective of the patient's status, to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provide necessary care.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.
12. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.
13. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
14. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
15. Ability to provide instruction and direction to others.
16. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
    

    ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

    In addition to the principal job functions contained on the primary job descriptions, the following duties are also required in the department noted above.

    
    
17. *Works with designated patient populations and their families/caregivers to provide self-management support.
18. *Provide guidance and quality leadership through collaboration on strategies to achieve goals and improved patient outcomes.
19. *Serves as subject matter expert for area of assignment and actively participates in the evolvement of the program
20. Takes an active role in participating in the evaluation and utilization of data to drive focus and program excellence
21. *Provides nurse navigation and care management services from central location via secure messages, telephone and other outreach methods as needed. Supports patients without in-person interactions.
22. *Works collaboratively with central and clinic-based navigation teams providing support to populations/programs as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act required. BSN required; in lieu of a BSN, ten (10) years of nursing experience required. Masters of Nursing preferred. Minimum of three (3) years recent clinical experience in area of assigned specialty (Oncology, Orthopedics, other).

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare

professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

Applicable Specialty Certification from an approved credentialing body in area of practice preferred and required within

18 months.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(DOT) - Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.