Description

Acts as a liaison between the hospital, interdisciplinary team, physicians, and surgical offices to support the designation of Torrance Memorial as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Coordinates the care of patients through the continuum of care.

Core Competencies

Coordinates the scheduling of selected hospital services offered to bariatric surgery patients including the support groups, pre-surgical class,and dietitian counseling. Applies the nursing process to develop a plan of care for the bariatric surgery patient including patient education for pre operative and post operative care and expected outcomes of care. Answers questions and resolves issues with the hospital services and surgeons' offices for bariatric surgery patients. Reviews patient charts of bariatric surgical candidates prior to surgery to determine whether the “Pre-Surgical Selection Criteria” as established by the hospital have been met and, if not, reports results to the patient’s primary surgeon. Coordinates the case review presentations to the hospital’s Bariatric Program Committee according to the criteria established by the hospital for such presentations. Assists with the completion of Center of Excellence applications and certifications required by the hospital to maintain itself as a recognized specialty hospital in bariatric surgery. Works with all departments to ensure that all requirements are met to maintain the COE designation for Bariatrics. Assists with the analysis of the effectiveness of marketing outreach programs. Assists with the writing, development and distribution of Bariatric Program marketing materials; acts as the liaison to the hospital’s Public Relations Department and Media Services in the production of website information, newspaper advertising and other marketing collateral necessary to promote the program. Oversees the data on the number and type of bariatric surgery cases at the hospital and collaborates with the Bariatric Surgical Clinical Reviewer in interpreting trends and variances. Focuses on providing safe and compassionate care to bariatric patients seeking treatment and ensures that proper equipment and furniture are available to meet the needs of the patients and their families. Delivers the Sensitivity Training to all new hires in clinical orientation. Creates an environment of safe delivery of patient care and functions with a constant awareness of safety issues identified including immediately correcting/reporting unsafe conditions found. Coordinates patient care across the continuum. Provides healthcare services to young adult, middle adult, and geriatrics. Participates in the planning and developing of existing and new programs, procedures and policies. Evaluates and makes positive suggestions for change in the environment. Assists with updating and communicating pertinent community resources. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan. Develops creative, innovative mechanisms for meeting community needs and interests.