The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator Jennifer Brackman BSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN Kathy Morrison MSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN, FAHA Victoria Norris BSN RN 1
Disclosures Jennifer Brackman-No actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this presentation. Kathy Morrison-No actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this presentation. Victoria Norris-No actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this presentation. Objective Evaluate the various non-nurse stroke coordinator roles and describe the pros and cons of the non-traditional position. 2
Let s take a poll. How Many Are: Nurses Therapists Rad Techs Non-Medical Other Disciplines Have other job responsibilities other than stroke? 3
The Traditional Stroke Coordinator Role Typically a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice RN Performs all primary functions as the stroke coordinator Stroke Committee Data analysis Stroke education Change Agent Seen as the knowledge expert when changes are made Gathers, analyzes and writes protocols for the Stroke Committee/Program approval Focus is on just the stroke program No direct reports (or FTE s) to manage The role is recognized by the institution as a full time, dedicated resource 4
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator May be a discipline other than nursing (GASP!) Physical Therapist Occupational Therapist Licensed Practical Nurse Non-medical background (DOUBLE GASP!) Accrediting bodies do not require a specific discipline-just the knowledge base of stroke and program management RN/APRN with responsibilities other than the stroke program 5
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator Responsibilities outside of the stroke program Unit Directors Bedside RN with dedicated days for stroke program Therapist with full patient load Multi-program Manager Sepsis Coordinator Heart Failure Coordinator Other disease specific programs Quality Personnel Responsible for different committees in gather, analyzing, and writing of protocols with others sharing in those responsibilities If you find yourself in one of these categories-we re here to help! 6
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-Build Your Knowledge Foundation Clinical Practice Guidelines Specific to your facility National trends Seek to Understand Learn the role others have within the stroke program Nurses Physicians (all specialists) Case Managers Therapists Walk in Their Shoes Day! The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-Build Your Knowledge Foundation The Joint Commission Standards Understand what they are asking for What resources are needed to meet the standard Who are the experts in that particular area? National trends Benchmark Other disease-specific programs (HF, trauma, sepsis) Success and failures Don t reinvent the wheel! 7
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-Build Your Knowledge Foundation Know Your Peer Group Local and regional stroke coordinators Build rapport and ask for guidance Unique group of peers that truly understand the dynamics of the role Get with The Guidelines Learn the abstraction Understand how the metrics are used within your facility Understand how the metrics are used outside of your facility The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-The Next Level Program Development- Make Your Life Easier Ensure that order sets have TJC* requirements embedded within Understand who on your team will help drive this Could be floor nurses, neurologists, hospitalists, etc. Your data abstractor will love you for this easy fix Have clearly defined roles and responsibilities within your program Medical director Unit directors Floor nurses RRT APRN 8
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-The Next Level Program Development- Make Your Life Easier Learn to do projects WITHothers but not FORothers Skill acquired with time Accountability rests on whole team, not just one person Ensure that expectations for deadlines are reviewed prior to adjourning meetings Follow-up emails are useful as well Personalize data for your stroke team Worth the time and effort--every time! Promotes engagement Healthy competition The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-The Next Level Program Development- Make Your Life Easier Multi-tasking with multiple programs Stay organized Set deadlines that are attainable Find correlations with each service line you are responsible for and use as a strength 9
The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator-The Next Level Program Development- Make Your Life Easier Build the case for a dedicated 1.0 FTE Stroke Coordinator Expect hurdles Teach your administration about stroke and the importance of the role Benchmark with facilities your size, your program s size, and what regional stroke programs close to you have for this role Data the most important piece DTN when a stroke coordinator is present vs. when not Stroke readmission rates Core measures if any drop in measures, escalate to your director Have your medical director s support The Non-Traditional Stroke Coordinator Questions? How Can We Help? 10