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RN - Registered Nurse - Epilepsy Nurse Navigator - Pediatrics Neurology

Job Summary

This extremely collegial and congenial group is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to the children of central and northeast Pennsylvania. In addition to advanced neuromuscular care, the pediatric neurology department also provides a comprehensive epilepsy program, specialized headache care, a pediatric sleep center, and genetic testing and counseling programs. Core strengths of our program include a broad variety of neuropathology, high patient acuity, and state of the art management of Pediatric Neurology conditions- as evidenced by our being an level IV NAEC accredited epilepsy surgical center. Our large group of accessible, empathetic, and highly knowledgeable staff physicians and APPs model how to partner with families and children in their epilepsy journey. You will be supported by longitudinal educational opportunities and partnership with our brilliant epilepsy director Dr. Liana Theroux.

Job Duties

This role will primarily be an RN Epilepsy Nurse Navigator who will partner with the pediatric neurology providers and team to triage new patient referrals, identify and address prior authorizations, epic in-basket work, patient follow up care, provide education to patient and family, act as a liaison (patients and referring providers) and any other needs identified are addressed. The goal is to address the pediatric neurology health and well-being and assuring their overall needs are met and acted upon in a timely manner. Facilitates entrance of new patients into care programs. Provides patient education, promotes an understanding of the condition, and provides ongoing continuity of care for patients.

This is a grant funded role. If grant funding should end, the department will still be looking to keep this role.

The role is 40 hours weekly; Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

A minimum of 2 years RN work experience is required.

Benefits at Geisinger:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package starting on day one, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Three medical plan choices, including expanded network options

• Pre-tax savings plans (FSA & HSA)

• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) with automatic Geisinger contributions

• Generous PTO that accrues quickly

• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year

• MyHealth Rewards wellness program with financial incentives

• Family-friendly support: adoption/fertility assistance, parental leave, military leave, and Care.com membership

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): mental health, legal guidance, childcare/eldercare referrals, and more

• Voluntary benefits: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more

Job Duties:

The Nurse Navigator's scope of work primarily involves providing comprehensive support and guidance to patients with epilepsy and their families, ensuring timely and efficient access to care. This includes educating
patients about their condition, treatment options, and managing the complexities of epilepsy care. They also act as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and other support services, coordinating care and
addressing barriers to accessing specialized care.

• Provide clear and concise educational information about epilepsy, including different types of seizures, causes, triggers, and management strategies. Introduce reliable online information and communities for social support. Reinforce anticipatory guidance, provide school and community-based resources and treatment adherence strategies along the entire health journey.
• Discuss various treatment options, such as medications, diet therapies, and surgical interventions, and help patients and families make informed decisions about their care across the medical journey. Respond and navigate treatment challenges with coordination of care with managing provider(s).
• Offer emotional support and counseling to patients and families, addressing concerns, fears, and anxieties related to epilepsy. Advise on social support networks that can improve self-esteem, connectivity, and adherence.
• Help patients and families adapt to living with epilepsy, including managing daily routines, promoting independence, and addressing psychosocial issues. Special consideration to proactively incorporate age and gender specific issues that may impact epilepsy management, reproductive outcomes, and risk for SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
• More than a liaison, the nurse navigator will be a keystone of connection for patients, healthcare providers, schools and other services. In high-risk patients will help coordination and tracking progression through any specialty needs (i.e. imaging, genetics, neuropsych testing, surgical consultation).
• Assist patients with referrals to specialized care, including neurosurgery, other specialists, testing and help with scheduling appointments and procedures.
• Facilitate communication between patients, providers, other healthcare professionals and community members (when applicable and approved) to ensure clear and effective communication.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and database, ensuring that all relevant information is readily available.
• Assist patients with financial and insurance matters related to epilepsy care, providing resources and guidance as needed

Position Details

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Responsibilities