Shenandoah University’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing announces that it is the first to offer a Patient Care Navigator Certificate for licensed registered nurses (RNs) seeking to pursue Continuing Education credits. Hospitals and large physician practices nationwide are enrolling individuals and groups of up to 20 RNs into the program because of its ability to more cost effectively manage complex cases and lower readmission costs.
These organizations value the results of this specialized training that empowers RNs to successfully bridge the gaps in post-acute discharge transitions, provide support and on-going education for patients with chronic diseases, and solidify the treatment plan of the patient’s health-care providers. At one hospital system where Shenandoah University trained endocrinology Patient Care Navigators to support patient dietary needs, exercise, medication management and follow-up care coordination, the average A1C dropped almost two points over seven months, with soft cost savings of $158,000 for the five highest A1C patients. Trained RN Patient Navigators not only enhance care quality, but they also positively impact financial performance.”
Lisa M. Darsch, MSN, RN, director of Patient Care Navigation Certificate program
Darsch points to a study that shows that for every one-point drop in the A1C, there is a 40 percent drop in eye, nerve and kidney problems, which can result in an additional five years of life and eight years of vision, along with six years without developing kidney disease.
This dynamic certificate program combines online learning with hands-on simulation/application exercises to train RNs in assisting patients in navigating complex healthcare services and helping to build skills in delivering care coordination services.
Shenandoah’s Patient Navigation Certificate program consists of 40 contact hours, is open to currently licensed RNs from any organization and is offered in various course configurations throughout the year, with hospital group classes offered at $25,000 for up to 20 enrollees, and individuals enrolled at $2,000 per RN. A similar program Church Campus for social workers is available at the university’s site in Fairfax, Virginia, or at sponsoring hospitals or group practice settings.
For more information, contact: patientnavigator@su.edu
Schedule A Patient Navigator Certificate Course At Your Facility
We are offering this training across the nation for hospital systems and large physician practices.
To schedule a training at your facility, contact Lisa Darsch, Program Director for Patient Navigation Certificate at patientnavigator@su.edu.
Or, Attend a Patient Navigator Certificate Course in Fairfax, Virginia
Attend one of these scheduled courses:
- September 27-30, 2018 | Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia
- November 8-11, 2018 | Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia
- January 24-27, 2019 | Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia
- March 28-31, 2019 | Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia
- May 9-12, 2019 | Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia
Having worked as a navigator for over 1 year, I found this course to be exceptional at filling in the missing pieces to help me do the job more effectively. Nancy is an amazing instructor and she comes with such a broad knowledge base. This class was interactive and everyone who attended was encouraged to take part in discussions. I feel that if anyone is thinking about becoming a nurse navigator then this class is a must! You will come out of this class having a lot of understanding and be better prepared to be an effective nurse navigator.”
—Fall 2017 Patient Navigator Course Member
Nurse Navigation is the New Frontier of Nursing Practice. You must combine clinical skills, patient education, change theories and motivational interviewing techniques to help your patients navigate through the very complex process of health care and wellness maintenance. This class provides you with the enhanced knowledge and skills your patient needs.”
—Fall 2017 Patient Navigator Course Member