Overview:

The Psychiatry/Behavioral Health Nurse Navigator is responsible for providing support for Central Heatlh psychiatric services in outpatient settings. The Nurse Navigator is an integral member of an interdisciplinary team, intervening therapeutically to support patients with behavior patterns/symptoms/behavior demonstrated with mental illness, substance abuse disorder, personality disorder, substance abuse or developmental disability. This position functions autonomously and in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. The Nurse Navigator is responsible for supporting the navigation of patients through complex healthcare environments for the optimization of care and outcomes. The RN practices professional nursing as defined by the Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Nurse Practice Act and by adhering to organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines. Our nurses are committed to providing a collaborative environment to deliver the safest and highest quality of care for our patients. The Nurse Navigator serves as a resource person for staff and models a commitment to the organization's vision/mission/values to support an unparalleled patient experience and positive clinical outcomes.

*This is an onsite position that requires attendance at our Capital Plaza Clinic from Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.*

Responsibilities:

Collaborates with the patient’s care team to optimize clinical outcomes.

Assesses the physical, social, and emotional needs of patients and families in clinics.

Serves as an advocate, providing direction and support to the patient and family, including educating the patient and family members on diagnosis, treatments, procedures, and medications.

Reviews clinical progress of patients and coordinates communications to referring, consulting, and primary care physicians.

Coordinates scheduling of appointments and assists with tracking outcomes of referrals and treatments.

Communicate with Psychiatrist and other team members to ensure continuity of care, both within the Central Health enterprise and external to the health center.

Participates in daily patient care (unit) huddles, in some case ensuring that huddles are taking place along weekly clinic staff informational huddles.

To enhance the patient experience and to avoid delays in care, may support Provider teams by assisting with in basket management, refilling medications, prior authorizations, rooming, dismissing, and triaging patients in a

timely manner following established protocols.

Performs clinical duties as assigned and competency validated in accordance with Standing Delegation Orders including, but not limited to: administering medications, immunizations, point of care tests, and EKG's.

Enhances the patient experience by practicing AIDET during each patient interaction.

Utilizes Motivational Interviewing or other behavior change techniques to coach and assist the patient with self-management.

Conducts transitions of care activities with the patient’s medical home care management team or the Central Health case management team as indicated to support patients with complex health, social determinants of health (SDOH) and behavioral health needs, or frequent hospital utilization.

Assists in the development of departmental protocols, policies, and procedures.

Acts as a resource to Medical Assistants, CHWs, and other clinical team members.

Serves as a preceptor for new clinical team members and students.

Participates in continuous quality improvement projects in order to better serve the patient, family and healthcare system to improve the quality of service provided.

In collaboration with the Nurse Manager, maintains awareness of key performance indicators/metrics and coordinating interventions to prevent avoidable ER visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, etc.

Attends staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference/online as required.

Supports organizational initiatives to promote and maintain a strong positive workplace culture.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

Associate's Degree from an accredited school of nursing required.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2 years of nursing experience in an ambulatory/outpatient behavioral health setting required.

Psychiatry nursing experience preferred.

Background in managing populations with complex medical needs preferred.

Experience with Epic preferred.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

Unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) License in the State of Texas -OR- Compact State Licensure required upon hire. 

Basic Life Support certification obtained through approved American Heart Association or Red Cross required upon hire. 

Certified Care Manager certification preferred.