Bariatric Surgery Navigator

Signature Healthcare is Southeastern Massachusetts' premier local provider of quality, personalized medical services. We are comprised of the award-winning not-for-profit Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Signature Medical Group (SMG), a multi-specialty physician group of more than 150 physicians practicing in 18 ambulatory locations. We believe our distinctive Signature Healthcare team approach is the way healthcare should be: medical professionals across many locations communicating and collaborating, taking advantage of technologies and resources to make a difference in the lives and health of our patients.

Position Summary:

The Bariatric Surgery Navigator within the bariatric surgery program in the Bariatric Surgical Services, Weight and Wellness Center serves as the primary point of contact for patients and their families, and is responsible for guiding and supporting them with navigating the complexities of the bariatric process and addressing any questions or concerns that arise. This role involves coordinating care, providing education, and ensuring a seamless experience for patients from initial consultation through post-operative follow-up.

Location: 110 Liberty Street, Brockton, MA

Department: Bariatrics

This is a full-time 40 hour/ week position

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

• Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external).

• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) standards:

• Collaborates with members of the bariatric services team and other providers in all specialty areas to coordinate patient's care plan, works with multidisciplinary team to maintain and implement up-to-date care plan and communicates with all members of the healthcare team on behalf of the patient

Provides Patient support and education:

• Provides comprehensive education to patients about bariatric surgery options, procedures, and lifestyle changes required post-surgery.
• Assist patients in understanding the risks, benefits, and expectations of bariatric surgery.
• Address patient inquiries and concerns through one-on-one consultations, phone calls, and emails.

Provides comprehensive coordinated care which adheres to MBSAQIP protocols.:

• Facilitates communication between patients and the multidisciplinary bariatric team, including surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and other specialists.
• Schedules and coordinates pre-operative assessments, tests, and consultations.
• Coordinates patient care that is safe, effective, efficient and timely. Liaisons between visiting nurses, clinical staff and consult services to ensure comprehensive patient centered care. For more complex diagnosis, will consult with physicians or surgeons regarding treatment plans.
• Ensure that all required documentation and authorizations are obtained and processed.

Pre-Operative Process:

• Guide patients through the pre-operative preparation process, including medical evaluations, psychological assessments, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and pre-surgery requirements, as outlined by MBSAQIP.
• Assist patients in understanding and completing insurance and financial paperwork.

• Prescribes medications, individualized treatments, and ongoing medication management for patients both in the acute setting and those being followed for post-operative care.
• Orders lab and diagnostic tests when appropriate; interprets test results and acts on these results as needed.
• Will cover emergency room call shifts on a case basis; first call for assessment, diagnosis, and development of treatment plan for patients in need of general or bariatric surgery consultation
• In some instances, may offer additional support with aspects of surgical care such as operative first assist, managing surgical inpatients, and bedside procedures such as PICC/central line placement, wound care, and/or IDD.
• Monitor patient progress post-surgery to ensure patients receive appropriate post-operative care and follow-up, which aligns with MBSAQIP standards for monitoring patient outcomes and managing complications.
• Provide ongoing support for recovery and adherence to post-operative care plans, such as nutritional counseling and lifestyle changes, and track progress.
• Schedule follow-up appointments and coordinate any additional care or interventions as needed.

Program Development and Improvement:

• Actively participates in quality improvement initiatives and contributes to program evaluations, ensuring that the bariatric program meets MBSAQIP's continuous improvement standards.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of patient education materials and program protocols.
• Collect and analyze patient feedback to identify areas for improvement in the bariatric program.

Compliance and Standards:

• Ensures that all practices and procedures comply with MBSAQIP's requirements for patient care, program management, and clinical outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards for bariatric care.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with MBSAQIP standards, industry trends, best practices and advancements in bariatric surgery.
• Participate in community outreach and education to promote the bariatric program and its adherence to quality standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned

BASIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/APTITUDE/EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Must be able to reasonably make appropriate judgment in communications and actions with patients, physicians, other associates, outside agencies, and vendors.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, ability to educate and motivate patients, excellent organizational and time-management abilities, and proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Demonstrated ability to significantly improve patient experience.
• Assist with organizing support groups and other inclusive events for patients within the Bariatric community
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment, and be able to effectively direct front and back-end work processes and personnel toward a common goal.

Education/Experience/Licenses/Technical/Other:

1. Education: Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
2. Experience (Type & Length): Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a healthcare setting, with experience in bariatrics or patient navigation preferred.
3. Certification/Licensure: Certification as a Bariatric Nurse Navigator (CBN) or similar certification is advantageous.
4. Software/Hardware:
5. Other: