Perinatal Nurse Navigator

Opelousas General Health System•Opelousas, LA

16d

About The Position

The Perinatal Nurse Navigator is a nurse based in hospitals or clinics who provides targeted, time-limited support for pregnant and postpartum patients, particularly those with or at risk for substance use disorder (SUD/OUD) during critical transitions in their care. This role facilitates connections from the inpatient or birthing hospital to prenatal, postpartum, and community resources. Additionally, the Navigator works closely with the Project M.O.M. Regional Navigator to provide additional support for these patients.

Requirements

Minimum associate's degree in nursing required
Louisiana RN license and CPR required.
Training or a willingness to be trained in the following areas is required: -SUD and OUD in pregnancy -Motivational interviewing techniques -Trauma-informed and stigma-reducing communication -Local Project M.O.M. workflows and referral pathways

Nice To Haves

Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), with a preference for RN candidates, who has experience in maternal-child health, perinatal care, or the NICU/OB environment.
The candidate should demonstrate skills in care coordination, transitions of care, and patient education.

Responsibilities

Ensure safe and timely transitions between birthing hospitals, OB triage, emergency departments, and outpatient prenatal and postpartum care.
Identify and support pregnant and postpartum patients who are dealing with SUD/OUD
Connect patients to Project M.O.M. resources, providers capable of managing MOUD, and various socioeconomic supports.
Collaborate with hospital teams, including Labor and Delivery (L&D), Mother/Baby, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Emergency Department (ED), as well as clinics and community partners, in line with the LDH Project M.O.M. initiatives.
Proactively identify pregnant and postpartum patients who are at risk for SUD & OUD through consultations, screenings, and referrals.
Coordinate navigation for the following services: -Prenatal and postpartum care -Primary care -SUD/OUD treatment (including medication-assisted treatment providers) -Behavioral health and social services
Perform warm handoffs: -Hospital to Outpatient Clinic -Hospital/Clinic to Project M.O.M. Regional Navigator for ongoing support
Arrange prenatal and postpartum appointments and confirm scheduling in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) when applicable.
Conduct brief, time-limited follow-ups to: -Reinforce discharge instructions and treatment plans. -Confirm attendance or address missed visits. -Identify and address immediate barriers (transportation, insurance, childcare, stigma, etc.)
Provide targeted health education on topics such as pregnancy, postpartum warning signs, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), safe breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, overdose prevention, and access to naloxone.
Educate labor and delivery (L&D), nursery, emergency department (ED), and clinic staff on: implementing consistent trauma-informed SU screening protocols, education on evidence-based approaches to substance use treatment including MOUD and harm reduction, respectful communication and bias reduction
Document all navigation encounters, care transitions, and handoffs, and communicate updates to the care team.