Care Transition Navigator Jobs

• Licensure
• Education
• Skills/computer/ specific technical
• Work Experience

• Other qualifications, miscellaneous

• The individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and excels at locating, retrieving, evaluating and using information skillfully
• Evaluates aspects of each patient’s condition, diagnoses, medications, and support systems to formulate an individualized plan which will lead to successful outcomes in medication(self)-management, use of a dynamic patient-centered record, appropriate primary care and specialist follow-up, and knowledge of red flags
• Visits patients in their homes and other ambulatory settings (i.e. skilled nursing facilities, post-acute rehabs, etc.) as part of the Transitional Care Program
• Demonstrates client-centered focus
• Provide education on chronic illnesses to encompass: disease process, medication administration to include side effects management, and proper use of prescribed devices and/or medical equipment
• Reviews, and understands why patients return to the Hospital. Able to implement small tests of change to ensure patients receive services they may need.

• Demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, patient safety and regulatory and licensing standards; i.e., Joint Commission, Title 22, OSHA, EMTALA, HIPAA, CMS, HSAG and other service-specific regulations
• Adheres to hospital, divisional and unit-based policies and procedures, e.g., attendance and punctuality, chain of command
• Practices within the scope of the California Nurse Practice Act (Section 2725) in all aspects of patient care, promoting safe practice in order to reduce risk

Hazards Which May Be Encountered

Injury

Methods To Prevent Injuries

Lifting Objects and or Moving Patients

Back Injuries, Hernias

Understand anatomy of back, causes of back pain, preventive approaches, use of aids when lifting. Proper lifting and moving of patients and objects. Exercises to strengthen back. Preventive measures when lifting and use of aids when lifting. Exercises to strengthen back.

Slip/Trip/Falls/Use of Ladders

Contusions, Sprains, Strains

Avoid undue speed. Use handrails. Clean up spills immediately. Pick up dropped items. Keep walkways clear of clutter. Correct tripping hazards. If using ladders, use ladder in good repair. Follow department safety guidelines for use of ladders.

Fires & Natural Disasters

Burns & All Types of Injuries

Recognize possible causes of fires: smoking materials, faulty equipment, etc. and educate patients. Workers need to be familiar with disaster plans and know exit routes.

Electrical Hazards

Shocks & Burns

Report and remove from use, unsafe equipment and appliances. Unplug equipment by pulling on plugs not cords. Complete electrical safety education and seek assistance if any unsafe conditions are noted.

Assaults

Minor Injury to Death

Employees need to be aware of potential dangers to ensure safety. Awareness of existing security measures and defensive behavior can protect employee from assaults.

Needle and Sharp Injuries

Cuts, Punctures, Lacerations

Sharps should be discarded in designated containers as soon after use as possible. Employees should exam & handle soiled linens & similar items as if they contained sharp items.

Obstacles & Broken Objects

Abrasions, Contusions, Lacerations, and Falls

Arrange furniture to allow free movement about rooms and hallways. Keep doors & drawers closed when not in use. Clean/discard broken objects properly (i.e. broken glass should be swept up - not picked up with fingers). Remove all broken items from service.

Exposure to Communicable and Other Diseases

Infection – minor to death

Use Infection Control procedures as defined in Infection Control manual for specific diseases. These include handwashing, personal protective equipment, knowing the risks. Label linens and wastes properly. Use Standard Precautions with all patients. Keep environment clean.

Exposure to Chemical Agents

Burns, inhalation injuries, etc. See individual MSDS.

Employees should be familiar with chemicals in their departments. Employees should follow procedures as outlined in their department Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS's before using/handling any chemical. Do not use any chemical without proper labeling. Wear personal protective equipment as required by department and manufacturer’s directions.

Possible exposure to radiation

Sterility, Cancer, Shortened Life Expectancy

When appropriate, employees should wear film badges (they are monitored routinely) and use shielding, lead aprons, and/or gloves. Identify and appropriately manage radiation therapy patients and their secretions.

Latex

Dermatitis to death

Alert manager if you feel that you are allergic to latex materials. Use non-latex gloves for all procedures requiring gloves. Read labels to check for latex content.

Soaps, Detergents, Cleaning Solutions

Dermatitis

Follow departmental procedures. Personal protective equipment is available if department is unable to substitute agents that do not cause dermatitis. Read and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.

Wide Variety of Musculoskeletal or nerve disorders

Follow safe body mechanics and ergonomic practices as described in hospital education. Maintain a safe, neat, uncluttered environment. Practices include keeping file drawers closed, walkways clear, not reaching overhead and twisting, etc. Seek assistance from department manager if a task is causing physical problems. If work site evaluation is desired, discuss with department manager.

Burns, reproductive harm, other injuries

Employees who administer chemotherapy must undergo training in: preparation, use, and spill cleanup of chemotherapeutic agents, disposal of equipment and supplies in proper containers, and care of patients receiving chemotherapy according to procedure.

Exposure to Video Display Terminals

Eye strain & stress in addition to ergonomic complaints

It is unknown if significant visual dysfunction results from long-term use of VDT's. Problems may be reduced with control of lighting, glare, and color contrast. Workers should have adequately corrected vision. If a VDT evaluation is desired discuss with department manager.

Possible exposure to patient medications during administration.

Allergy, adverse drug reaction, other unknown injury

Refer to specific drug information for proper handling to avoid unintended exposure.

Exposure Microwave Radiation

Radiation Effects

Ensure regular maintenance of machine. Clean all spills. Report and remove from use, unsafe appliances. Unplug equipment by pulling on plugs not cords.

Injury from Compressed Gas and/or Cylinders

All types of injuries

Compressed gasses are flammable & under pressure so must be handled with care. All compressed gas cylinders must be secured in storage or during use. Use proper connections for tanks. Know how to change connectors. Complete safety education on unit.

Possible exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases

Health Effects per drug/gas information

Use scavenger systems in anesthetizing locations. Be cognizant of hazards of anesthetic gases and follow procedures as outlined in department training. Acute exposure is in the immediate post-op period. Avoid close proximity to exhaled breath of patient who received anesthetic gases.

Sterilization Equipment, Steam and Chemical

Burns, Chemical Exposure

Complete training and orientation for steam and chemical sterilization equipment. Use appropriate heat resistant materials to handle hot trays or instruments. Be aware of sources of steam. Use appropriate personal protective equipment as described by manufacturer.