GENERAL SUMMARY:

Coordinates care for bariatric surgery patients through the continuum pre/post-management of ongoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSQIP). Includes bariatric program development, patient and staff education, as well as the oversight of multidisciplinary teams and acting as the liaison between the hospital and surgical practice.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Navigates, assesses and monitors the continuity of care and expedites and coordinates the delivery of services to facilitate a patient's progress throughout the continuum of care, from point of first interest, through the qualification period, the surgery process, post-op care, and post discharge to achieve desired quality outcomes.

3. * Makes daily rounds on all bariatric surgery patients.

4. *Coordinates administrative functions and the development and implementation of patient care clinical pathways; navigates the patient through the process; updates patient policies and procedures for care of bariatric surgery patients.

5. *Functions as a clinical liaison and resource for the hospital program. Responsible for assisting the hospital with achieving and maintaining BSCOE certification/accreditation through meeting or exceeding Center of Excellence standards of care.

6. Assists and attends monthly community lectures and support group meetings, and keeps class advertising and calendar listings updated for the website and other advertising venues; coordinates the patient support groups and facilitates meetings as necessary; facilitates and participates in the post-op patient care lectures including nutrition, exercise, and psycho-social changes.

7. Maintains outpatient records accurately, completely, timely and confidentially according to procedures.

8. *Facilitates patient and family education, and the discharge process to promote continuity of care after discharge and optimal patient outcomes; and reviews and revises patient education materials.

9. Develops curriculum and provides skills labs or in-service education for Medical Staff, employees or contract staff regarding the special needs of bariatric patients; education may include sensitivity training, lift & transfer techniques, complications of bariatric surgery, post-op care psychosocial needs, etc.

10. Exhibits behaviors and actions which create a high level of patient/ customer satisfaction, which contributes to positive patient/customer relations and which reflect respect for the patient's/customer's rights, needs and confidentiality.

11. *Ensures all patient care is provided in accordance with Hospital and other regulatory and safety requirements including the Joint Commission, OSHA and State and Federal regulations.

12. Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development by staying current in the field by reading related professional literature and undergoing annual bariatric related training.

13. Maintains strict confidentiality of PHI (Personal Health Information) following HIPAA policy and government regulation; maintains strict confidentiality of employee information.

14. Utilizes hospital information systems to provide orders/data and to retrieve patient information.

15. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

16. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

17. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of nursing theory and practice including leadership skills.

4. Knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the human life span.

5. Ability to facilitate multidisciplinary team meetings utilizing strong oral/written communication and organizational skills.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with health care team members, physicians and diverse patient populations.

7. Ability to research information, compile statistics and provide input into the development of policies and procedures.

8. Ability to demonstrates effective teaching methods for multi-level individuals and/or groups for delivering effective, personalized, patient centered and family focused outcomes.

9. Ability to operate patient therapeutic equipment and/or machines as relevant to work duties.

10. Ability to provide instruction and direction to others.

11. Ability to balance and prioritize diverse management and clinical responsibilities.

12. Ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status, interpret the needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provide necessary care.

13. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

14. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

15. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

16. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

17. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Current Registered Nurse licensure from the State of Nebraska or approved compact state of residence as defined by the Nebraska Nurse Practice Act required. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure from the State of Nebraska required. Minimum of three (3) years clinical practice, nursing management, quality management, or case management experience required. Prior experience in bariatrics preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT)-Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.