Facility: 1800 Parkway Center

Job Summary:

This is a liaison position requiring clinical experience, self-direction, attention to detail and follow-up, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, families and the public. In conjunction with physicians and members of disease-specific teams, the Nurse Navigator is responsible for guidance and coordination of services for bariatric and spinal surgery patients and their caregivers through the continuum of care. The Nurse Navigator will provide program management and oversight for Kennestone's Bariatric Surgery program and Spinal Surgery Program.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

1. Patient Care/Case Management a. Helps patient coordinate appointments across multidisciplinary care teams and refers them to internal/external resources as needed. b. Acts as a liaison between patients, nurse, physicians, allied health professionals, and other members of the care team. c. Collaborates with team to develop a comprehensive care plan based on the patient's individual needs and preferences. d. Assists with medication refills, prior authorizations, durable medical supplies, and any required forms. e. Manages the patient's individual case and ensures the best path for care. f. Responsible for assessing the need for interventions, medications and progress and may attend clinical site to assist with direct patient care as needed. g. Ensures thoroughness of case communication across interdisciplinary teams and tracks patient outcomes. h. Provides input into the plan of care by reporting pertinent information involving patient/family to the appropriate individuals in accordance with confidentiality standards. i. Advocates on behalf of the patient to ensure appropriate referrals and follow up are available for the patient. j. Provides accurate and timely documentation of care. 1. Clinical Expert/Resource a. Serves as a clinical expert and resource to hospital staff/personnel and other health care professionals withing the organization and community. b. Participates in quality management initiatives and actively seeks improvement through coordination of daily processing and monitoring effectiveness. c. Evaluation of outcomes against national standards and best practices. d. Analyzing data and formulating quality improvement projects based on findings. e. Ensures compliance with regulatory agencies, registry, and accreditation guidelines; ensures completion of all intracycle reports submitted to the Joint Commission within required timeframe. 3. Patient/Family Centered Care Advocate a. Serves as a primary educational resource for patients and families on health-related issues. b. Communicates necessary patient information to family, physicians and staff. c. Embraces the concept of patient/family-centered care to maintain patient, family, and physician satisfaction. Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education:

• Associates Nursing or Bachelors Nursing-Preferred

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

• Reg Nurse (Single State) or RN - Multi-state Compact
• Basic Life Support

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):

Required Minimum Experience:

Minimum 2 years Experience in cardiology or obstetrical nursing Required or Minimum 5 years Experience in cardiology or obstetrical nursing Preferred or Required or Preferred

Required Minimum Skills:

Previous experience in relevant field High