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A cardiovascular case manager is a registered nurse with specialized training and clinical experience in the care of open heart surgery patients. The HeartFirst program's full-time case manager serves all heart patients who are admitted under the care of a cardiologist. The position requires a bachelor of science degree in nursing with an emphasis in cardiovascular care. Case managers must have the ability to initiate staff development and training sessions as necessary requiring excellent communication skills. Additionally, the HeartFirst case manager is certified in medical/surgical nursing with the American Nurses Credentialing Center and in case management with the Healthcare Resource Group in California.
Because case management is an ongoing process, the role of the case manager is pivotal in making each patient's care plan precise and efficient. The initial contact with the patient usually begins upon admission. For most patients, that step is made on the first day in the hospital. Patients arriving late in the evening are contacted by a case manager the following day. Patients admitted for surgery meet the case manager who provides a tour of the facility that includes an overview of the progression of care. During this initial contact the patients and their families have the opportunity to discuss their needs and desires with the case manager who makes a careful assessment of concerns. This is also the time when the case manager will begin to work closely with each patient's physician to plan a course of action for the care given while in the hospital. |
Patients are monitored on a daily basis to ensure that their plan of care is working effectively. Records are carefully reviewed to verify that all information is accurate and the appropriate actions are implemented according to specific guidelines imposed by various payers. The case manager acts as patient advocate addressing any need or concern. This may mean aiding in the consideration of home health care or other placement program necessary to ensure safe and appropriate care after the hospital stay. |
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This daily contact affords the case manager an opportunity to become familiar with each patient. Familiarity with each case provides the patient and family the benefit of having a constant representative who is completely informed and up to date. Individual attention given by the case managers helps improve communication among other staff members involved in the care of each patient.
The need may arise for additional assistance from other specialized areas of care. The case manager provides the vital link for patients who may require more assistance with educational needs, dietary consultation, equipment, home care, diabetes education, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation and social services. The case manager is also available to assist with standard nursing care such as ambulating patients or checking vital statistics. Focusing on quality improvement and accurate documentation, the cardiac case manager is present to ensure that each patient experiences the best possible plan of care and to minimize the risk of complications or subsequent hospitalizations.
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