Healthcare Navigator for the Ursuline Sisters
Presentation of Draft Ideas to the Prioress
Prepared by D. Meatheany, COO of St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System
April 15, 2016
Assumptions:
· St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions would work in collaboration with the Deaconess Faith Community Nurses (FCN) to provide the Healthcare Navigator service. Recruitment for the Healthcare Navigator will take a minimum of three (3) months.
· The Healthcare Navigator will begin in the Missouri Cluster, which includes:
o Visiting sisters at Francis Place (6), Nazareth (4) and St. Claire Villa (13);
o Meeting the approximately 28 sisters in community would be coordinated.
· Developing the Healthcare Navigator outreach to New Orleans, Dallas, and the Northeast will be planned after six (6) months of working with Missouri Cluster.
o There are approximately 6 sisters at Our Lady of Wisdom and 8 in community.
o There are approximately 13 sisters in Dallas/South living in community with services.
o There are other sisters in the Northeast.
· A full time Healthcare Navigator position would be needed.
o The FCN would have a background and understanding of Catholic faith and previous experience working with women religious preferred. Promoting spirituality in aging is an important aspect of care.
o FCN candidates would be recruited by St. Andrew’s and final approval/selection done by the Ursuline Sisters.
o Orientation and background would be developed with the Ursulines and St. Andrew’s.
o One liaison from the Ursuline Sisters is recommended. A 24/7 contact person for emergencies and after-hour questions would also be provided by the Ursulines.
o Written introductions will be required, and an event planned to bring as many sisters in the community together for an initial “meet and greet.” All sisters in the St. Louis area would receive regular visits by FCN.
o A regular written report will be provided to the Prioress and/or designees.
· Other requirements would include:
o Office with phone and file cabinet(s). (Could be provided at the Ursuline offices).
o Laptop, smart phone, and email address in the Ursuline Directory.
o Car or mileage reimbursement.
o A credit card with responsibility and limitations to be defined. Credit bill accounting on a monthly basis to Ursuline Sister Liaison.
· Diane will call Sr. Anastasia to learn more about this ministry, as well as the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in Springfield, Illinois.
· Goals for the Healthcare Navigator Program will be developed in collaboration with the Ursulines and St. Andrew’s. An evaluation of progress to goals will be done at 3, 6, and 12 months with the Ursuline Sisters and St. Andrew’s.
· The name/title of Healthcare Navigator can be revised if needed.
Healthcare Navigator Role Description
Summary: The Healthcare Navigator serves the Ursuline Sisters as a nurse advocate to assure the provision of the highest quality of life and quality of care; recognizes the need for education of the sisters and fosters a spiritual wellness approach in their aging process; and has an authentic, sincere and personalized approach in supporting the sisters that will build trust with all of the Ursuline Sisters.
1. Respects the dignity and ability of each sister and builds a trusted relationship.
2. Prepares healthcare summary files for all sisters and maintain electronic/hard copy files.
3. Develops assessment tools to track baseline health issues and their progression.
4. Communicates changes in health status to assigned Ursuline liaison.
5. Engages sisters in identifying appropriate quality of life and quality of care initiatives.
6. Helps sisters living in community to access resources that may assist in living independently for as long as possible such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, Home Health, and private in-home services.
7. Accompanies the sisters as needed to medical appointments.
8. Maintains communication and site visits as required with hospitalized sisters to aid in determining post-discharge care.
9. Serves as a resource for sisters regarding health and wellness concerns.
10. Identifies areas of need for education on health-related matters.
11. Promotes aging in place, but recognizes when there is a need for higher levels of care. Works with the Ursuline liaison and promotes moves to licensed communities that have been approved by the Ursuline Prioress.
12. Acclimates sisters to their new long term care communities. Serves as liaison for the sisters with their new community.
13. Acclimates staff in the longterm care communities to the needs of the sisters and special care needed for women religious.
Qualifications:
· Missouri Licensed RN with secondary license in Illinois preferred.
· Faith Community Nurse with background and understanding of Catholic faith and previous experience working with women religious preferred. Willingness to embrace the mission and service as a lay minister to the needs of the Ursuline Sisters.
· Clinical background in geriatrics and caring for persons that are frail, aging and with dementia care needs.
· Possess initiative, creativity, compassion, flexibility, good judgment, leadership, and a sense of humor.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Good computer skills.
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