Bariatric Nurse Navigator-APRN

About the Role

Coordinates care for bariatric surgery patients through the continuum of pre/post-management of ongoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSQIP). Includes bariatric program development, patient and staff education, as well as the oversight of multidisciplinary teams and acting as the liaison between the hospital and surgical practice.

Responsibilities

• Navigates, assesses, and monitors the continuity of care and expedites and coordinates the delivery of services to facilitate a patient's progress throughout the continuum of care, from point of first interest, through the qualification period, the surgery process, post-op care, and post-discharge to achieve desired quality outcomes.
• Makes daily rounds on all bariatric surgery patients.
• Coordinates administrative functions and the development and implementation of patient care clinical pathways; navigates the patient through the process; updates patient policies and procedures for care of bariatric surgery patients.
• Functions as a clinical liaison and resource for the hospital program. Assists the hospital with achieving and maintaining BSCOE certification/accreditation by meeting or exceeding Center of Excellence standards of care.
• Assists and attends monthly community lectures and support group meetings; keeps class advertising and calendar listings updated for the website and other advertising venues; coordinates patient support groups and facilitates meetings as necessary.
• Facilitates and participates in post-op patient care lectures including nutrition, exercise, and psycho-social changes.
• Maintains outpatient records accurately, completely, timely, and confidentially according to procedures.
• Facilitates patient and family education and the discharge process to promote continuity of care after discharge and optimal patient outcomes; reviews and revises patient education materials.
• Develops curriculum and provides skills labs or in-service education for medical staff, employees, or contract staff regarding the special needs of bariatric patients (e.g., sensitivity training, lift & transfer techniques, complications of bariatric surgery, post-op care, psychosocial needs).
• Exhibits behaviors and actions that create a high level of patient/customer satisfaction, contributing to positive patient/customer relations while respecting patient rights, needs, and confidentiality.
• Ensures all patient care is provided in accordance with hospital and other regulatory and safety requirements, including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and state and federal regulations.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development by staying current in the field through related professional literature and annual bariatric-related training.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of PHI (Personal Health Information) following HIPAA policy and government regulations; maintains strict confidentiality of employee information.
• Utilizes hospital information systems to provide orders/data and retrieve patient information.
• Participates in meetings, committees, and department projects as assigned.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure from the State of Nebraska.
• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical practice, nursing management, quality management, or case management experience.
• Prior experience in bariatrics preferred.
• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network).

Skills

• Maintains clinical competency, including age-specific competencies relative to patient’s growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification, and mandatory education.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Knowledge of nursing theory and practice, including leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the human life span.
• Ability to facilitate multidisciplinary team meetings using strong oral/written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with healthcare team members, physicians, and diverse patient populations.
• Ability to research information, compile statistics, and provide input into the development of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates effective teaching methods for multi-level individuals and/or groups to deliver personalized, patient-centered, and family-focused outcomes.
• Ability to operate patient therapeutic equipment and/or machines relevant to work duties.
• Ability to provide instruction and direction to others.
• Ability to balance and prioritize diverse management and clinical responsibilities.
• Ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret needs to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provide necessary care.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct crucial conversations with desired outcomes.
• Ability to problem-solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements

Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.