Nurse Navigator-Cardiology/Heart Failure

Augusta Health

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Cardiology/Heart Failure RN Navigator helps the cardiology and/or heart failure patient navigate through the healthcare process throughout the duration of the care, beginning with first contact with the AMG Cardiology department continued on as long as they are under care of an AMG cardiologist. They are responsible for assisting with coordination of post hospital care, including scheduling of appointments and procedures to provide quality care and help prevent readmission. They will also be responsible for assisting with gathering all required patient documentation/data and reporting. The RN Navigator will collaborate with the inpatient team, cath lab and clinic to coordinate care planning and assist patients in problem solving issues related to system, financial or social barriers. They will take an active role in the patient discharge process, participating in such activities as: discharge teaching/education, assisting with getting prescriptions filled, schedule post-procedure clinic visits, etc. The RN Navigator will also participate and coordinate internal and external quality assurance programs related to cardiology and heart failure, specifically as it relates to hospital accreditation and certification expectations.

Requirements

Nursing Diploma and/or Associate Degree in Nursing required
Current and valid Registered nurse license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or from a state that is part of a Compact agreement with Virginia required.
BLS required
ACLS within six months of employment required
Minimum of two years Critical Care, Cardiology, Cardiac Cath Lab or heart failure clinic experience required

Nice To Haves

BSN preferred
Certified Heart Failure Nurse (CHFN) or Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) certification recommended within two years of hire.
Experience related to cardiology and/or heart failure patients preferred

Responsibilities

Ensures that hospital follow-up appointments are scheduled for patients who were discharged from the hospital
Serves as liaison between the patient, medical staff and services
Plans and implements a collaborative program with referral services to ensure a seamless delivery of care
Identifies and helps patients who may qualify for financial assistance and/or patient assistance programs for prescription drugs
Monitors inpatient consults to identify opportunities for patient education related to new diagnosis, medication and/or to help manage chronic health conditions, such as heart failure
Assists with post hospital discharge medication coordination
Consults with and utilizes community resources to optimize treatment and support
Responds to patient phone calls/cases related to urgent new patient referrals
Assists with appointment and test scheduling for pre-transplant patients
Calls patients discharged from Cardiology service in the hospital within 72 hours and document phone call in clinic EHR system.
Collaborates with the ACO case management team on a regular basis.
Assists in tracking patient interventions and outcomes
Participates in research as appropriate
Tracks patients as they move through the healthcare system
Provides timely and complete documentation for accurate patient care
Tracks interventions and outcomes
Collects and reports on heart failure patient data related to hospital accreditation/certification
Helps coordinate and assist with any Augusta Health Foundation grants that relate to cardiology and/or heart failure
Creates quarterly and annual reports as needed
Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, quality assurance programs, and protocols.
Proactively works to resolve issues to improve quality and efficiency of department(s)
Consistently displays professionalism in dealing with patients and peers
Embraces new ideas and procedures that will improve departmental performance
Initiates opportunity or seeks collaboration with other departments
Provides assistance in clear, courteous, professional, and flexible manner both orally and in writing
Works cooperatively with other staff in a team environment
Assists in marking plan in collaboration with Marketing Department
Keeps immediate supervisor and team members fully informed concerning work progress
Navigator is viewed by supervisor as being competent and possesses leadership skills and abilities that meet standards