Stroke Program Coordinator

Downers Grove, IL

• Collaboratively develop and implement disease management protocols/guidelines that reflect the most current research and practices in stroke care. Identify, develop, and participate in hospital and community programs related to stroke. Develop or revise stroke written plans of care and guidelines based on accepted standards of care and current research, in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other interdisciplinary professionals.
• Communicate guidelines and plans of care to the multidisciplinary team caring for the stroke patient. In collaboration with the Stroke Physician Liaison and Administrator for Quality and Clinical Integration, establish clinical benchmarks and quality outcome measures.
• Participate in unit and hospital activities to promote service excellence. Develop education programs on stroke screening, awareness, and treatment options for both hospital personnel and the public.
• Ensure education for patients, families, and members of the healthcare team is provided and relevant. Encourage critical thinking and problem‑solving among staff members. Identify developmental educational needs of staff and implement plans to meet those needs.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of knowledge and clinical skills of health care personnel caring for stroke patients. Serve as a consultant to unit‑based and house‑wide educational activities.
• Coordinate stroke care with patients and families during the inpatient episode. Assure appropriate information is available to facilitate patient entry into the Stroke database. Serve as liaison between physicians, nursing staff, ancillary staff, patients, and families to enhance continuity of care.
• Analyze quality and efficiency of stroke interventions using database information. Assist in identifying appropriate candidates for outpatient follow‑up and for clinical trials. Oversee the Survivors of Stroke support group and ensure initial baseline assessments of patients’ physical, emotional, mental, educational, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.
• Coordinate performance improvement efforts for the stroke program. Collect and analyze data on stroke care. Present findings at Stroke Committee meetings, the Quality Council, and other meetings as requested.
• Maintain clinical and professional skills necessary to provide services to patients. Keep informed of new treatments and therapies utilized for stroke care. Obtain a minimum of 8 hours of continuing education regarding the care of acute stroke patients.
• Serve as case manager for all stroke patients in collaboration with Care Management, ensuring quality care, efficient use of resources, and education across the continuum of care. Coordinate or complete stroke discharge phone calls.

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
• CPR certification and NIHSS proficiency.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• Typically requires 5 years of experience in ICU, ED, or Neurologic nursing, and previous quality improvement experience.

• Assertiveness and leadership skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Competency in communication and ability to motivate others.
• Exceptional assessment skills.
• Willingness to cover weekends, holidays, and off shifts.
• Computer skills including data entry and report generation functions.
• Database experience desirable.

• Travel to alternative care delivery sites is required.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient is unable to assist, patient handling equipment should be used, with at least one other associate when available.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.