Nurse Navigator

West Tennessee Healthcare

About The Position

(Imaging Center) Responsible for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care designed to provide quality nursing care for the Primary Stroke Center. Responsible for the achievement of optimal patient outcomes through application of clinical expertise and by acting as a member of the patient care management team. The Neurology Nurse Navigator assesses patient condition, plans, and implements interventions, and evaluates patient responses under the direction of and in collaboration with the Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center and the Quality Outcomes Stroke Program Manager and Director. The Neurology Nurse Navigator is specially trained to assist with Neuro Alerts and the care of disorders of stroke patients as well as other neurological disorders. Under the direction of the Quality Outcomes Stroke Program Manager and the Quality Outcomes Director, the Neurology Nurse Navigator is responsible for routine daily operations of the Stroke Program as required. This includes, but is not limited to, staff development, organizational planning, decision making, and direct patient care. This position requires flexible, non –traditional work hours. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

Requirements

Associate degree in nursing required / BSN preferred
Additional educational preparation in neurological care is expected.
Individual with the ability to transcribe what the physician dictates and does accurately .
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for practice in the state of Tennessee.
BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this position.
3 years of current nursing experience in Critical Care/Emergency Department preferred.
Skill and proficiency in the principles, concepts, and techniques of the nursing profession.
Basic nursing skills.
Advanced assessment skills.
Basic computer skills.
Generic competencies required of all staff RNs.
Knowledge of the treatment of neurological disorders.
Knowledge of continuous improvements processes.
Works independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the American Association of Neuroscience Nursing or comparable appropriate board preferred.
ACLS certification preferred.
Responsible for Continuing Education Units annually.

Responsibilities

Provides direction and support to patients, families, and healthcare providers by assembling a medical database, performs a physical exam, and evaluates health problems under the direction of the Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center or rounding Neurologist.
Collaborates with the supervising physicians in establishing/reviewing protocols for the managing needs of neurological patients.
Orders necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under the direction of the supervising physicians, which may include the following: thorough neurological and overall physical assessment of the patient, ordering laboratory and diagnostic studies, and carrying out medication orders under protocols
Documents the processes of nursing care delivery in the electronic medical record.
Transcribe physician derived patient information and when making any entry into the medical record must follow the following format: “documented by (scribe’s name), acting as scribe for Dr. (employing physician).” Entry must then be co-signed, indicating that the note accurately reflects work and decisions made by the employing physician.
Performs scribe functions under the supervision of the rounding physician.
Visits patients independently.
Evaluates, interprets, and implements hospital and nursing policies and procedures for assigned unit and recommends changes as needed for the stroke program.
Participates in criteria development for measuring outcomes of care delivered; participates as a team member for development of clinical protocols for patients in the stroke program.
Provides/coordinates clinical and classroom instruction in cerebrovascular disease and stroke care as necessary for patients, families, staff, and public groups.
Participates in discharge planning.
Conducts follow-up care and coordinates care with other healthcare providers such as our neurology clinic and cardiology department and ensures appropriate referrals for continuity of care for appointments and Holter Monitors prior to or after discharge are placed in the electronic medical record.
Demonstrates teamwork through interacting with others to achieve goals while respecting individual differences, sharing credit and accountability for outcomes, and actively participating in work activities.
Exhibits positive interpersonal skills, i.e. professionalism, integrity, and follow through on commitments.
Uses effective analytical/critical thinking skills through appropriate analysis, judgment, innovation, and decisiveness.
Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.
Assists departments with the development of procedures as needed to comply with Federal, State and local rules and regulations (to include Joint Commission).
Communicates with patients and families and collaborates with other disciplines for providing emotional support and teaching.
Serves as liaison between patient and family and communicates updates to family.
Rapidly responds to Neuro Alerts within define time frame assesses the patient in need, collects history, and quickly implements approved protocols according to hospital policy, and assists multiple departments with the development of corrective action plans as a result of non-compliance.
Ensures Stroke Performance metrics are met during neuro alert process for “door’ metrics. This ensures transition from door arrival to diagnostics, to thrombolytic treatment and/or endovascular thrombectomy treatment is met in a timely manner.
Stays with the patient until the neuro alert is concluded, including any diagnostic procedures and/or transfer to a different unit as required.
Administration of thrombolytic medications, as well as scheduled, PRN medications, and intravenous fluids.
Serves as an advocate for nursing staff for administration of thrombolytic medications during neuro alert process.
Assists with data abstractions within primary stroke center department for performance measures and core measures and inputs data abstractions into American Heart Association (AHA) Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) Stroke Data Registry as needed and instructed by director.
Conducts daily chart reviews on neuro patients to assist physicians in ensuring correct medications, diagnostic tests, and discharge process is accurate.
Serves as an EMS liaison, provides feedback and education as required.
Provides feedback and education to the Emergency and Vascular Interventional Departments as required.