WINCHESTER, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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,” says Lisa M. Darsch, MSN, RN, director of Patient Care Navigation Certificate program. “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.”
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 for social workers is also available. Courses are offered at the university’s site in Fairfax, Virginia, or at sponsoring hospitals or group practice settings.
For more information, contact: Patientnavigator@su.edu; +1-540-542-6236.
About Shenandoah University
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