Lead, Nurse Navigator and Care Transitions – Population Health

Role Overview

The Lead for Nurse Navigation, Nurse Triage, and Care Transitions plays a pivotal role within WVU Medicine's Population Health division. This position is responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight for programs designed to ensure seamless and patient-centered transitions across various care settings. The Lead also manages timely clinical triage support, contributing to high-quality care coordination. This role is essential for maintaining adherence to established protocols, quality standards, and performance metrics. A key aspect involves developing and monitoring practices and procedures for the nursing staff, as well as providing comprehensive training and orientation for both new and existing team members. The Lead collaborates extensively with leadership, clinical teams, community resources, and internal stakeholders to optimize continuity of care, reduce hospital readmissions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for the Lead, Nurse Navigator and Care Transitions, might involve:

• Operational Oversight: Reviewing daily operations of transition and triage services, analyzing daily volumes, and ensuring duties are appropriately assigned.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring that all staff adhere to established workflows, documentation standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring key performance indicators, such as outreach timeliness, triage response times, patient engagement levels, and overall quality outcomes.
• Process Improvement: Collaborating with leadership to identify areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and patient experience.
• Staff Support: Providing direct assistance and guidance to staff members, acting as a subject matter expert to optimize team performance and functionality.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Mentoring and coaching Nurse Navigators and other care transition roles, fostering professional development within the team.
• Training and Education: Conducting training sessions and providing ongoing education on clinical protocols, proper EMR documentation, and effective patient engagement strategies.
• Onboarding: Facilitating the onboarding process for new hires, working closely with mentors to ensure a positive and comprehensive orientation experience.
• Team Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Staffing Management: Assisting in the hiring process for new staff members and addressing performance improvement areas through structured plans, interventions, and follow-up.
• Resource Management: Reviewing and supporting staffing needs for daily operations, ensuring adequate coverage and efficient resource allocation.
• Patient Outreach: Overseeing the identification and outreach to patients recently discharged from various care settings, including inpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and emergency departments.
• Knowledge Maintenance: Staying current with the latest transition guidelines and requirements, ensuring that all practices align with best practices and regulatory standards.

Why Remote?

The remote nature of this position offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Allows for a more flexible work schedule, enabling better work-life balance.
• Accessibility: Broadens the talent pool, allowing WVU Medicine to hire the best candidate regardless of location.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces overhead costs associated with office space and facilities.
• Improved Focus: Can lead to increased productivity and focus due to a quieter, more personalized work environment.
• Wider Reach: Enables the Lead to support and manage teams across multiple locations more efficiently.

Career Path

The Lead, Nurse Navigator and Care Transitions role offers numerous avenues for career advancement within WVU Medicine. Potential career paths may include:

• Senior Lead, Nurse Navigation and Care Transitions: Taking on broader responsibilities and overseeing multiple teams or regions.
• Manager, Population Health Programs: Moving into a management role with a focus on strategic planning and program development.
• Director, Care Coordination: Advancing to a director-level position with responsibility for the overall care coordination strategy and implementation.
• Clinical Director: Progressing to a clinical director role, overseeing clinical operations and ensuring high-quality patient care across multiple departments.
• Executive Leadership: Opportunities to move into executive leadership roles within the Population Health division or WVU Medicine as a whole.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for this position is $75,000 to $110,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accrual, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to confidential counseling and support services.
• Wellness Programs: Various wellness initiatives to promote employee health and well-being.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Opportunities for tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
• Professional Development: Access to professional development programs and training opportunities.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Key aspects of the WVU Medicine culture include:

• Patient-Centered Care: A strong focus on providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients.
• Teamwork: A collaborative environment where teamwork and communication are highly valued.
• Innovation: Encouragement of innovation and continuous improvement in all areas of operation.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Diversity and Inclusion: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Community Engagement: Active engagement in community outreach and service initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the WVU Medicine careers website. Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting your qualifications and experience.

FAQ

1. What are the essential qualifications for this role?
   The essential qualifications include a current multi-state Registered Nurse license or a West Virginia RN license with the ability to obtain additional licenses in specified states, along with an Associate’s degree in nursing and 7 years of clinical experience or a BSN and 5 years of clinical experience.
2. What is the typical work schedule for this position?
   The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but may require flexibility based on operational needs.
3. What opportunities are there for professional development?
   WVU Medicine offers various professional development opportunities, including training programs, tuition reimbursement, and conference attendance.
4. What type of support is available for remote employees?
   Remote employees receive comprehensive support, including technical assistance, communication tools, and regular team meetings to ensure connectivity and collaboration.
5. What is the dress code for remote employees?
   While working remotely, professional attire is expected during virtual meetings and interactions with colleagues and patients.
6. How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?
   WVU Medicine supports employee well-being through wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and a focus on work-life balance.
7. What is the process for onboarding new remote employees?
   New remote employees participate in a virtual onboarding program that includes training on company policies, procedures, and technology.
8. How is performance evaluated in this role?
   Performance is evaluated based on key performance indicators, including adherence to protocols, quality outcomes, and contributions to team goals.
9. What is the company's policy on remote work equipment?
   WVU Medicine provides remote employees with the necessary equipment, such as a laptop, monitor, and headset, to perform their job duties effectively.
10. How can I contribute to the WVU Medicine culture in a remote setting?
    You can contribute by actively participating in team meetings, sharing ideas, and engaging in virtual social events to foster a sense of community and collaboration.