title: Care coordinator--blending roles to improve patient outcomes.
abstract: A care coordinator blends aspects of the case manager and clinical specialist roles with those of a unit-based staff developer. In this position, the nurse facilitates critical pathways; coordinates care with the patient, family, ancillary staff and community services; delivers unit-based staff-development programs; and acts as mentor, staff resource person and physician liaison. The development and utilization of this professional nursing role in a community hospital is outlined.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny University Hospitals, Bucks County, Warminster, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bayard
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Calianno
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Mee
mesh_terms: D019090:Case Management; D019091:Critical Pathways; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012380:Role