Sentara Careplex Hospital is hiring a Sepsis Navigator.

Shift: Days

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

Education

• N-4YR – RN-Bachelor's Level Degree

Certification/Licensure

• Registered Nurse (RN) License – Compact/Multi-State License OR

• Registered Nurse (RN) License – Single State – Virginia

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – Certification – American Heart Association (AHA)

Experience

• Clinical/Nursing minimum 2 years – required

• Critical Care

• Emergency Department

Overview

To enhance sepsis outcomes and sustain compliance with evidence-based protocols, this proposal recommends the creation of two part-time Sepsis Navigator positions – one focused on data analytics and one dedicated to clinical engagement.

Background

Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmissions.  Early identification, timely intervention, and consistent process monitoring are critical to improving patient outcomes and meeting bundle compliance.  Current resources are limited in their ability to simultaneously manage real-time clinical oversight and data-driven performance improvement. 

Proposal

Establishing two complementary Sepsis Navigator roles will strengthen both the analytical and clinical components of sepsis management:

Sepsis Navigator – Data Analytics (Part-Time, Virtual)

• Focuses on data abstraction, trend analysis, chart reviews, case follow-up and reporting
• Identifies performance gaps and supports continuous improvement initiatives
• Works collaboratively with IT, quality, Clinical Sepsis Navigator, and the clinical teams to track compliance with SEP-1 measures and hospital metrics.

Sepsis Navigator – Clinical (“Boots on the Ground”) (Part-Time, On-Site):

• Provides direct support to bedside teams for early sepsis recognition and bundle implementation
• Conducts real-time chart reviews and case follow-up
• Engages with frontline staff to reinforce best practices, offer education, and ensures timely interventions

Justification

The dual-role model allows for a balanced, efficient approach to sepsis improvement and will bridge the gap between data insights and clinical action-creating a continuous feedback loop to enhance sepsis bundle compliance, reduce variation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.  Each Navigator will bring a specialized focus that aligns with organizational and divisional goals for consistently meeting sepsis bundle compliance.

Expected Outcomes

• Consistent improvement with SEP-1 bundle compliance through real-time intervention and education
• Reduction in sepsis-related mortality, length of stay and readmission
• Enhanced accuracy and timeliness of data reporting to support performance improvement initiatives
• Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and accountability in sepsis management

This proposal represents a strategic investment in quality improvement, leveraging data and frontline expertise to advance sepsis outcomes, optimize patient safety, and support the organization and division’s mission of delivering high-quality, evidenced based care.  The dual-role approach allows us to achieve the benefits of a full sepsis program with the cost efficiency of part-time positions.  By delineating analytic and clinical responsibilities, we can maximize impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Proposal for Dual-Role Sepsis Navigator Positions

Overview

To enhance sepsis outcomes and sustain compliance with evidence-based protocols, this proposal recommends the creation of two part-time Sepsis Navigator positions – one focused on data analytics and one dedicated to clinical engagement.

Background

Sepsis continues to be a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmissions.  Early identification, timely intervention, and consistent process monitoring are critical to improving patient outcomes and meeting bundle compliance.  Current resources are limited in their ability to simultaneously manage real-time clinical oversight and data-driven performance improvement. 

Proposal

Establishing two complementary Sepsis Navigator roles will strengthen both the analytical and clinical components of sepsis management:

Sepsis Navigator – Data Analytics (Part-Time, Virtual)

• Focuses on data abstraction, trend analysis, chart reviews, case follow-up and reporting
• Identifies performance gaps and supports continuous improvement initiatives
• Works collaboratively with IT, quality, Clinical Sepsis Navigator, and the clinical teams to track compliance with SEP-1 measures and hospital metrics.

Sepsis Navigator – Clinical (“Boots on the Ground”) (Part-Time, On-Site):

• Provides direct support to bedside teams for early sepsis recognition and bundle implementation
• Conducts real-time chart reviews and case follow-up
• Engages with frontline staff to reinforce best practices, offer education, and ensures timely interventions

Justification

The dual-role model allows for a balanced, efficient approach to sepsis improvement and will bridge the gap between data insights and clinical action-creating a continuous feedback loop to enhance sepsis bundle compliance, reduce variation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.  Each Navigator will bring a specialized focus that aligns with organizational and divisional goals for consistently meeting sepsis bundle compliance.

Expected Outcomes

• Consistent improvement with SEP-1 bundle compliance through real-time intervention and education
• Reduction in sepsis-related mortality, length of stay and readmission
• Enhanced accuracy and timeliness of data reporting to support performance improvement initiatives
• Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and accountability in sepsis management

This proposal represents a strategic investment in quality improvement, leveraging data and frontline expertise to advance sepsis outcomes, optimize patient safety, and support the organization and division’s mission of delivering high-quality, evidenced based care.  The dual-role approach allows us to achieve the benefits of a full sepsis program with the cost efficiency of part-time positions.  By delineating analytic and clinical responsibilities, we can maximize impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In this role, you will educate patients and their families about health conditions, treatments, and post-discharge care, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. You will monitor and record vital signs, observe changes in patient conditions, and respond promptly with appropriate interventions. Utilizing sound clinical judgment, you will address complex health situations, consult with medical team members as needed, and document all care in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards.

The RN is expected to uphold the highest standards of patient safety, adhere to evidence-based protocols, and contribute to a supportive and empathetic environment. As a patient advocate, you will work tirelessly to ensure each patient’s comfort, dignity, and well-being while fostering trust and a sense of security. This role demands a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability to evolving healthcare practices, and dedication to promoting the mission and values of the healthcare organization.  Responsible for performing competent level of nursing care as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the nursing process. Possesses clinical knowledge and skills to meet standards as required by clinical area(s). Exhibits sound knowledge and understanding of routine nursing procedures and RN and LPN scope of practice.

Keywords: Sepsis, Navigator, Emergency Department RN, Critical Care,