Nurse Navigator

Nurse Navigator

We are seeking a dedicated Nurse Navigator to support our multidisciplinary Interventional Pulmonary/Thoracic Surgery Clinic at the Tate Center, where patients with pulmonary nodules, masses, adenopathy, and pleural effusions are comprehensively evaluated. This role will serve as a key point of contact, guiding patients through diagnosis, coordinating care, and ensuring timely and appropriate follow-up. Given that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death, this position plays a critical role in promoting early detection and improving patient outcomes. The Nurse Navigator will also help improve awareness and management of incidental pulmonary nodules, a significant opportunity for early-stage diagnosis that is often underrecognized. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, friendly, patient-centered, and committed to delivering coordinated, high-quality care.

Under general supervision, provides and coordinates care to patients within the outpatient clinics at BWMC. Serves as a fully effective and participative member of the patient care team. Demonstrates and models the full range of nursing practices in both care provided and in participation in development of strategies to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction with service and cost effectiveness at the departmental level. Is accountable to the patients and families for the processes and outcomes of care, during their care throughout the entire spectrum of cancer services. Patients served include adult through adult-geriatric.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Serves as a role model and clinical resource for expert care and outcomes management of this patient population.
2. Assesses and improves preoperative patient instructions. Responsible for patient and family education. Monitors process and outcomes of patient education; implements improvements as appropriate.
3. Develops strategies to promote continuity, consistency and confidentiality of patient information across organizational boundaries.
4. Develops systems to streamline and improve the patient information management process.
5. Coordinates multidisciplinary approach to screening patient and arranging multimodality therapy. Coordinates weekly multidisciplinary clinics and conference. Participates as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.
6. Assesses and develops staff expertise in functioning in a collaborative role within the team. Takes the lead in assuring consistency and continuity of care.
7. Schedules or coordinates ordering and follow-up of lab work, diagnostic testing, and surgical posting.
8. Monitors patients during and post-procedures.
9. Facilitates discharge preparation and procedures.
10. Assists physicians with procedures and/or exams.
11. Facilitates patient flow through the clinic.
12. Coordinates post-operative care.
13. Responsible for requesting and stocking medical supplies for the clinics.
14. Participates in the Performance Improvement Program.

Education and Experience

1. Graduation from an accredited nursing education program approved by the Board of Nursing or found by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the programs in Maryland. BSN preferred.
2. Currently licensed as an RN in the state of Maryland. Successful completion of a refresher course within past 6 months if nursing practice has not occurred within the past 5 years.
3. Three (3) years of direct patient care experience as a licensed RN required.
4. Current BLS certification or obtained prior to providing direct patient care is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
2. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required to interact with patient families, departmental units, medical and nursing staff on all essential matters. Demonstrated/documented effective interpersonal skills.
3. Maintains updated hospital safety and other mandatory training.
4. Updated immunizations as recommended per practice area.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
4. Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
5. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

University of Maryland Medical Center