GENERAL DESCRIPTION

As a member of the Trauma Trust, the Trauma Case Manager is accountable and responsible for coordinating the care and service of selected patients and for the promotion of collaborative practice and continuity of care.  As a result, effective utilization of resources and the achievement of desired clinical and financial outcomes will be accomplished.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a professional level position operating independently under limited supervision.  This position is directly responsible for the trauma clinic case management of the trauma and ACSS system. Work situations are of a wide diversity and require change management and conflict resolution skills, a service-centered orientation, organization, problem solving, and decision making skills.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

The trauma case manager performs a variety of patient-centered duties.  In additions, this position provides assistance to the medical providers during a very fast-paced clinic. 

q       Schedules all appointments for a variety of different services:

o       diagnostic imaging procedures

o       vascular ultrasound

o       ancillary services, i.e. PT and OT

o       neuropsychology

o       other specialty physician groups (can be difficult for patient/family to obtain these appointments after leaving the clinic)

q       Completes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) screenings with patients; assists patients with follow-up with Psychologist if indicated

q       Schedules  surgery and obtains authorization if indicated

q       Assists patients with completion of Victims of Crime and L & I forms

q       Assists providers with completion of paperwork related to ancillary services

q       Performs brief alcohol interventions when indicated

q       Assists clinic nursing staff with rooming patients as time allows

q       Reports trauma QA issues which arise in Clinic to Trauma Program Manager

q       Attends weekly Trauma and ACSS team meetings, as indicated.

q       Coordinates ACSS case review for the bi-monthly ACSS portion of Trauma subcommittee meetings

q       Tracks and maintains records/minutes of bi-monthly ACSS case review meetings.

q       Identifies ACSS-specific performance improvement opportunities

q       Works closely with ACSS and Trauma Medical Directors and Trauma Program Managers at both hospitals

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education/Work Experience Requirements

q       Graduation from an accredited school of nursing is required; a B.S. in Nursing or related field is preferred.  At least three years of recent clinical work experience in the specialty area or related clinical specialty in a hospital setting within the past five years is required

q       Knowledge of care management models of patient care delivery in a hospital setting, processes of transition and discharge planning, utilization review and application of tools such as clinical pathways.

q       Knowledge of the principles, standards, practices and protocols relative to the nursing process, pathophysiology, emergency procedures, pharmacology and safety issues.

q       Ability to: maintain flexibility, cooperate and participate in cross-organizational performance improvement activities.

q       Ability to develop and implement effective plans for continued care needs for patients with complex and/or chronic problems.

q       Knowledge of cultural sensitivity regarding health care issues and ability to access resources for a cultural competency referral if needed.

q       Ability to motivate and educate members of the health care team while demonstrating a self-directed style of personal performance.

q       Ability to use critical thinking skills in making decisions regarding patient care within assigned scope of authority.

q       Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level of proficiency.

q       Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and all levels of health care providers (i.e. physicians, administrators, and external customers such as insurance providers).  This includes verbal and written communication.

Licensure/Certification

q       Active Washington State license as a Registered Nurse is required.

q       Current CPR certification is required.