Nurse Navigator - Neurosurgery

The navigator functions in an organized and time conscious manner using effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times. The Nurse Navigator will act as a liaison between patients, professional staff and physicians by scheduling and coordinating all necessary functions for surgical and diagnostic procedures. Obtain all pre-authorizations for procedures as required by insurance companies. Manage, produce and distribute all surgical and procedural schedules to physicians and departments. Provides support for ambulatory clinic registration and scheduling. The Navigator communicates with all members of the health care team as appropriate about patient/family needs and concerns.

The navigator supports the mission statement of Munson Healthcare (MHC), Munson Medical Center (MMC) AND Munson Nursing: Munson Healthcare and its partners work together to provide superior quality and promote community health.

Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Michigan. Bachelor of Science degree in nursing preferred.

Demonstrates a high level understanding of surgical treatment modalities.

Demonstrates an ability to assess patient needs, make appropriate referrals face to face or via telephone as indicated for ancillary support services and programs.

Is a self-directed professional with the ability to make independent judgments directing patient care.

Demonstrates ability in using the computer with Windows format preferred.

Demonstrates clinical competence and ownership of practice.

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills

Demonstrates exceptional problem solving skills.

Demonstrates ability to organize, identify, change priorities and be flexible in decisions.

Demonstrates participation in organizational and / or CFCC based process improvements.

Reports to the Manager or designee of the assigned department.

Provides direction to and supervision of LPNs, MA’s. Techs, Clerks, Nursing Assistants, and/or other categories as needed.

Works collaboratively and effectively with all members of the specialty team, including care providers and staff and is a liaison with other departments/units, hospitals within MHC system and academic centers (when applicable).

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Quality of Care and Leadership Practice

· Demonstrates mentoring of staff and/or provides ideas to increase efficiency.

· Embraces and supports patient centered care and the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Medical Center.

· Provides leadership in establishing a culture of safety.

· Supports a shared governance philosophy.

Ethics

· Bases actions and decisions on ethical principles.

· Utilizes the Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide practice.

· Fosters a non-discriminatory climate in which care is delivered in a manner sensitive to socio-cultural diversity.

Collaboration

· Collaborates with staff, providers and other disciplines and departments for provision of seamless delivery of services.

Resource Utilization

· Assigns patient care consistent with organizational policies, primary nursing model of care, procedures, legal, and regulatory requirements, according to the knowledge and skills of the designated caregiver as per standards.

· Maximizes utilization of scarce resources.

1. Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of Munson Healthcare.

1. Embraces and supports the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Healthcare with a focus on True North.

1. Promotes personal and patient safety.

1. Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times.

1. Engages and collaborates with patients, families, staff, and providers within the office and the greater community, as applicable, to schedule surgeries, pre-op physicals, and testing in a timely manner, creating and promoting a professional image, including outstanding telephone courtesy, pleasantness, the ability to keep their composure and the use of judgment and tact in dealing with others. 
2. Works with multiple departments, including, but not limited to, surgery, lab, radiology, and manages the timely scheduling of surgeries, pre-op physicals, and testing for patients.
3. Coordinate with hospitals and vendors for special cases or circumstances and all procedures requiring specific supplies or devices.
4. Identifies ways to streamline the surgical scheduling process to increase its efficiency, thereby increasing patient satisfaction, improving patient care, and increasing revenue.
5. Utilizes electronic systems as much as possible to ensure that others within the Munson Healthcare System have access to records. 
6. Ensures that prior authorizations, consent forms and/or referrals for all surgical, diagnostic procedures and treatment are completed as required for surgical procedures in a timely manner as required by individual insurances.   Additionally, identifies how prior authorizations can be managed more effectively in a more efficient manner. 
7. Ensures that documentation is complete to support the accurate billing of surgical procedures, i.e., insurance verification, prior authorization, etc.
8. Ensures that scheduling tools are complete, accurate and up to date at all times, through the use of timely checking and updating from voice mail, e-mail, memos, intranet communication, etc.
9. Perform routine post-op visits independently as needed, including wound checks, suture removal, dressing placements, etc.,
10. Performs other duties as assigned.