Starting Your Role as a CA Bridge Navigator
As a Navigator, you are stepping into a critically important position that may be one of the most challenging and rewarding of your life. When people come to the hospital, your work can transform the hospital or emergency department visit into a positive, life-changing event for people with substance use disorders and those with co-occurring mental health needs.
Top Ten Navigator Tips
We want to get you off to a strong start with the following details below. Here are the most important things to know as you start your role as a CA Bridge Navigator:
1. Navigator Orientation
This orientation training will help you build a foundation for success. Our CA Bridge Navigator Team will walk you through Navigator essentials to ensure that you are supported every step of the way.
2. Register for On-Demand Courses through the CA Bridge Academy
The CA Bridge Academy provides free pre-recorded trainings based on the Substance Use Navigation Toolkit. Videos walk you through relevant data, patient scenarios, protocols, and more. Click here to view instructions for getting started.
3. Complete the Navigator Process Checklist
There’s a lot to think about when starting your role as a Navigator which is why we’ve created a checklist to help you prioritize your time and energy.
4. Get the CA Bridge Navigation Toolkit
Just about everything you need to know about Substance Use Navigation in the hospital is in this digital toolkit.
5. Request a CA Bridge Navigator Mentor Shadowing Session
Shadowing sessions with a Mentor are available to any Navigator. Get a closer look at an established CA Bridge program with experienced staff.
6. Register for Live CA Bridge Training Sessions
Our live trainings are both online and in-person experiences that bring you closer to the CA Bridge community and best practices in the field. Learn from experts and leaders in public health.
7. Review Data Collection and Evaluation
This has been critical to securing funding for the Navigator role and showing how the program model works. Submit your site’s required data here.
8. Familiarize Yourself with the Buprenorphine Protocol
Every CA Bridge hospital should provide medication for addiction treatment and this buprenorphine protocol demonstrates how an ED clinician can do just that. Have it handy to share with your team.
9. Complete the Harm Reduction 3-Course Bundle
Harm reduction is one of the three pillars of the CA Bridge model and vital to the Navigator role. That’s why we offer this 3-course package designed by our partner, the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
10. Contact Your CA Bridge Navigator Mentor
Navigator mentors are available to answer questions, coach you through barriers and help to support you in your role. We want to hear from you! Please reach out to the mentors to introduce yourself and get individual support: mentors@bridgetotreatment.org. You can also see our team, including our mentors here.
