Stroke Nurse Navigator Program

The Stroke Nurse Navigator Program (SNNP) at the Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute is the first of its kind in the country. Founded in 2008, the goal of the program is to improve each patient’s ability to navigate the complex healthcare system and to adapt to life after stroke.

Stroke Nurse Navigators play a pivotal role in improving the lives of our stroke patients. Stroke Nurse Navigators reach out to patients by telephone at determined intervals upon discharge. The SNNP is dedicated only to stroke patients and includes:

• Directing patients/families to stroke resources and support groups
• Educating patients/families about stroke to avoid stroke recurrence
• Encouraging medication compliance
• Ensuring patients stay connected to the healthcare system throughout recovery
• Following patients for up to a year after their stroke
• Guiding patients/families through the Alexian Brothers Health System
• Monitoring patient quality of life

A research-based evaluation of the SNNP to date documented many benefits for our stroke survivors:

• Improved medication compliance
• Increased physician follow-up
• Lower rates of emergency room visits and re-hospitalizations after initial hospital discharge