Cardiology Nurse Navigator, Full Time Days, 8a - 4p, Cardiology, Atlantic Health, Morristown Medical Center
The AMI Navigator is responsible for coordinating care for patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with a primary focus on NSTEMI and medically managed AMI populations. This role ensures adherence to evidence-based treatment, focusses on LOS reduction strategies as well as readmission prevention strategies, enhances patient outcomes, and supports quality and regulatory requirements.
The AMI Navigator facilitates seamless transitions across the continuum of care, reduces readmissions, improves compliance with guideline-directed therapy, and enhances the patient experience through education and coordinated follow-up.
1. AMI Care Coordination
- Identify and track all AMI (primarily NSTEMI) patients from admission through discharge and post-acute follow-up.
- Coordinate diagnostic testing, cardiology consultations and post discharge physician visits, and treatment plans.
- Facilitate timely transitions between the ED, inpatient units, and outpatient care.
- Ensure appropriate level of care and escalation when clinically indicated.
2. Clinical Oversight & Patient Management
Conduct assessment of clinical, psychosocial, and discharge needs for AMI patients.
- Monitor adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), including:
- Antiplatelet therapy
- Statins
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs (as appropriate)
- Identify high-risk patients for complications or readmission and ensure proactive intervention.
3. Patient & Family Education
Provide comprehensive education on:
- AMI diagnosis and treatment plan
- Medication adherence and purpose
- Risk factor modification (smoking cessation, hypertension, diabetes management)
- Symptom recognition and when to seek medical attention
- Ensure patients receive clear discharge instructions and follow-up plans.
4. Quality Improvement & Performance Monitoring
- Monitor and improve key AMI quality metrics, including:
- Compliance with CMS and Joint Commission AMI core measures
- Medication reconciliation and discharge medication adherence
- 30-day readmission rates- develops strategies to reduce readmissions
- Length of stay and care efficiency – monitors LOS for AMI population and develops strategies to reduce – to achieve target LOS
- Conduct case reviews and identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Participate in performance improvement initiatives and interdisciplinary committees.
5. Regulatory & Accreditation Compliance
- Support compliance with:
- Joint Commission standards
- CMS quality measures for AMI
- Assist with audits, documentation, and survey readiness activities.
6. Data Management & Reporting
- Analyze outcomes and trends to inform program improvements.
- Develop reports and dashboards for leadership and clinical teams.
7. Transition of Care & Readmission Prevention
- Ensure timely outpatient cardiology follow-up appointments.
- Coordinate referrals to cardiac rehabilitation programs.
- Address barriers to care, including transportation, medication access, and social determinants of health.
- Collaborate with case management and outpatient providers to reduce avoidable readmissions.
8. Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Serve as liaison among cardiology, hospitalists, nursing, pharmacy, case management, and outpatient providers.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and AMI-focused committees.
- Promote standardization of care pathways.
Required:
1. Bachelor's in Nursing or related field.
2. Valid State or national Nursing License.
3. 2 years of experience in Acute Care or relevant area.
Preferred:
- Cardiac Vascular Nursing (RN-BC)