Pulmonary Disease Navigator - Pediatrics

Pulmonary Disease Navigator

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

The Pulmonary Disease Navigator facilitates access to medical care for patients. Helps the patient/families navigate through possible barriers to care and ensures the patient is able to get medical access and referral resources in an efficient and expedited manner. Communicate effectively with patients, their families and their health care providers while offering medical guidance, education, support and advocating for patients to ensure proper coordination of care. The Pulmonary Disease Navigator integrates education, research, management, leadership and consultation into their roles to achieve quality outcomes and to retain patient care within the Memorial Hermann Health System.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in Bachelor's program required. Must complete Bachelor's degree within agreed-upon timeframe.

License/Certifications:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist-Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) or Registered Respiratory Therapist-Sleep Disorders Specialty (RRT-SDS) required
• Current Respiratory Care Practitioner License
• BCLS and three (3) of the following: ACLS, PALS, NRP, NPS, CPFT, RPFT, RPSGT, CPR Instructor, ACLS Instructor, NRP Instructor, PALS Instructor, or Asthma Certified Educator

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Five (5)+ years experience with four (4) years of critical care experience
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and have the ability to teach, analyze and problem solve with relative ease. Must have good decision making skills
• Performs duties in a manner to promote quality patient care and customer service/satisfaction, while promoting safety, cost efficiency, and a commitment to the CQI process
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds; prolonged standing; frequent walking, stooping and squatting
• Fine hand dexterity, eye-hand coordination, the ability to receive oral and written communication, and to communicate verbally and in writing are also necessary
• Visual ability to monitor instruments, computers and equipment, recognize alphanumeric characters, distinguish colors and observe physical characteristics are essential to this position

Principal Accountabilities

• Works closely with physicians in all specialty areas to coordinate patient's care plan; works with multidisciplinary team to maintain and implement up-to-date coordinated care plan.
• Communicates with all members of the healthcare team on behalf of the patient.
• Uses clinical protocols to refer patients to appropriate specialist for diagnosis or treatment and assists patients and their families in obtaining referrals to needed specialists. Streamlines care path transitions and logistical issues.
• Educates patients/significant other (SO) on disease specifics and treatment options to enable patient-led treatment decisions. Provides disease specific material to patients. Facilitates patient/SO introduction to clinical trials.
• Builds relationships with referring physicians and potential referring physicians through education of physicians, office staff, and attendance at departmental meetings.
• Coordinates services for physicians' patients as requested by physicians. Serves as liaison between clinical specialists and family physicians. Documents physician contact where appropriate.
• Responds to in-hospital consultations requested by medical team and documents accordingly in the medical record.
• Practices in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Attends national/regional/local conferences pertinent to intended practice.
• Maintains knowledge of professional and industry trends.
• Reports monthly statistics
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann's service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.