On Demand - Nurse Navigator Webinar Series Part 2- Heart Failure and Structural Heart-Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

Pdf Summary

In this Q&A Nurse Navigator series, the focus is on heart failure and structural heart. In response to a question about a cardiac educator, it is mentioned that the position requires a BSN or higher degree, 5 days a week with 8-hour days, and it involves providing education to various groups of patients, such as STEMI/NSTEMI patients, PCI patients, EP devices and procedures patients, and acute heart failure patients. The cardiac educator also helps ensure AHA AMI documentation requirements for cardiac rehab and education are met.<br /><br />Regarding patient volume, it is stated that at WellStar, the number of patients each nurse encounters varies depending on the hospital census, but usually ranges from 25 to 35 patients. At Tucson, each nurse manages at least 10 patients daily, including phone interactions, pre-procedure visits, updating records, and requesting authorizations.<br /><br />When it comes to justifying navigator positions to administrative leadership, both at WellStar and Tucson, the positions are justified based on the need to improve the quality of care for heart failure patients and various metrics such as GDMT, readmissions, and LOS. Heart failure readmissions are explained to be costly, making the navigator position a revenue-saving one. Additionally, at Tucson, nursing serving as a liaison for patients during evaluation for structural heart procedures and meeting NCD requirements is highlighted as valuable, with the implanting cardiologist also justifying the position to leadership.<br /><br />The frequency and format of the HF report are discussed. The advanced HF report is sent daily via email to HF navigators, while the Epic HF report is manually run on an individual level.<br /><br />In terms of implementing a new HF RN position, it is emphasized that support from administration, providers, nursing staff, and ancillary staff is crucial. Introductions to each party and frequent check-ins are recommended to guide the new HF RN position. It is also mentioned that focusing on the top 2-3 priorities allows for necessary attention and impact in managing heart failure.

Keywords

Q&A Nurse Navigator series

heart failure

structural heart

cardiac educator

BSN or higher degree

education

patient volume

readmissions

HF report

new HF RN position