Nurse Navigator - 32Hrs Thoracic Surgery

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, a subsidiary of Massachusetts General Hospital, is renowned as one of the largest acute care hospitals in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. At Wentworth-Douglass, we value people who contribute to patient-centered care that enhances community health; we recognize and reward those who share our values and transform our patients' lives. We invite you to explore opportunities, cultivate community wellness and professional growth.
1. The Preadmissions Nurse Navigator serves as the key director of a specialty specific multidisciplinary program, developing and coordinating the model of care and services for the patient population.
a. Develops program standards for the operation of the center and acts as the coordinator of patient throughout and optimization activities.
2. In conjunction with the Physician Lead and the Chief of anesthesia, develops methods and implements shared decision making, patient centered process that identifies the best course of treatment through the phases of surgery (preoperative, intra-operative, post-operative, and post discharge) to minimize risk of morbidity and mortality.
a. Develops and implements methods to create effective and efficient strategies to ensure patient plans achieve the goals of the program.
3. Preoperative patient identification.
a. Develop, implement and maintain initial screen of surgical candidates to determine the scope and depth of additional patient assessment and treatment required to minimize patient risk and harm. (The surgeon’s offices shall refer patients to the Preadmissions Department for surgical optimization.).
4. Perioperative patient assessment and optimization.
a. In collaboration with the Physician Lead, appropriate anesthesia physician designee, and/or Nurse Practitioner reviews all pertinent medical records and conduct direct patient evaluation to determine needs for patient optimization prior to surgery
b. Will include working with the following at a minimum to develop specific plans based on patient need:

Anesthesia
Surgeon
Primary Care Provider
Pharmacy
Joint Program Coordinator (for joint replacement patients)
Spine Center Coordinator (for spine patients)
Rehabilitation
Case Management
Social Work Services
c. Will work with the following if applicable to each patient's need:
Diabetes Program Coordinator
Cardiology
Respiratory Care
Smoking Cessation
Medical and/or Surgical Specialists Others as appropriate
5. Liaison activities:
a. Will conduct regular liaison activities with the patient, provider, family members and others as appropriate to monitor patient progress.
b. Conduct regular interviews and assessments of patients and other applicable to determine patient progress and ongoing needs.
6. Metrics and ongoing evaluation of program.
a. Assist with the collection, measurement, and reporting of the following on an ongoing basis to determine the viability of the program and opportunity for expansion to all elective cases.
7. Communication and reporting.
a. Develop effective and thorough communication technique across all venues of care as applicable and appropriate to each patient specific optimization plan to ensure progress and readiness for surgical intervention is communicated to the Physician Lead, Surgeon, anesthesia physician designee, PAS nurse practitioner, and PCP.
b. Provide regularly scheduled updates to the Steering Committee and Leadership Team about program development and needs.

Experience Minimum Required
Five (5) years in nursing experience
Education Minimum Required

RN with BSN
Education Preferred/Desired
MSN
Training Minimum Required

ARC or AHA BLS
Training Preferred/Desired
Specific training for navigation or coordination of care for the surgical patients Knowledge of community resources
Special Skills Minimum Required
Conveys a positive team approach based on strong ethical values
Is highly motivated and self-directed with proven ability to function in autonomous, independent role
Possesses exceptional communication skills, compassionate and well respected by colleagues
Is patient focused, strong negotiator, detail oriented and flexible
Committed to continued learning and professional growth
Licensure and/or Certifications Required
Registered Nurse in the state of New Hampshire ARC or AHA BLS