When is a good time to move from patient care (which I love) to a more circumference role … as in care navigator or care coordinator!?!?
It is because you love your role in helping patients progress is probably why you are looking at the next level of care. Although we need all "hands on deck" now with the transition of the healthcare system...you sound as if you are ready to help advance the healthcare system by taking part in the transition of nursing. Who knows better than those "skilled" bedside nurses to perform quickly into navigator positions! What a payoff and advantage to make sure good care at the bedside continues upon discharge! It's a jungle out there.... and neighbors, relatives, and social media seem to "know it all! Who better to be the guiding light than those who have progressed the patient through critical times and now a pathway to continued progress. Or.... heaven forbid...a quick return if things don't go as planned. Your eyes and ears are already entuned for those symptoms, so you become the lifeline or life jacket if needed. You will become the motivator for the patient to stay on course and/or be "in-tuned if it doesn't.
Follow your heart.
How long have you practiced at the bedside? You need a solid background in the area where you want to be a case manager or navigator. Without that experience, you will be less efficient and effective than your peers. Knowing your community's resources related to your chosen specialty would make your interview answers more applicable. ie: Relating what you know about a source for referrals to fmeet someone's need for respite care, delivered low cost meals, IHSS, etc. Some of these needs are very basic, for all patients irregardless of their status, severity of illness. If you don't know what is available in your community, do the research and maybe have coffee with a representative of those agencies to learn first hand what their mission is and types of patients they serve. BTW: Then later you can contact them with a referral or for questions and that creates a chance to set your expectations of the services your patient should receive. It also makes you a valuable partner for them, by getting business from you! Warm handoffs are the best possible chance for your patients to receive the assistance they need.
