Registered Nurse (RN) - Lung Navigator/Care Coordinator

The RN Patient Navigator / Lung Nodule Coordinator serves as a clinical resource, advocate, educator, and care coordinator for patients throughout the continuum of care. This role focuses on identifying, tracking, and coordinating care for patients with lung nodules while also supporting patients with complex medical conditions, including cancer, stroke, and chronic illnesses. The coordinator serves as a consistent point of contact for patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members, ensuring timely access to care, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and seamless transitions across the healthcare system.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate written and verbal communication regarding the patient's treatment plan among patients, families, physicians, physician office staff, and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Review imaging reports to identify patients with lung nodules and ensure appropriate follow-up according to established clinical guidelines and protocols.
• Manage and maintain a lung nodule registry, tracking diagnostic testing, follow-up appointments, outcomes, and compliance with recommended care plans.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing and facilitate referrals to pulmonology, thoracic surgery, oncology, radiology, rehabilitation services, social work, nutrition, and other specialty services as appropriate.
• Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, screening results, and available resources.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care throughout the care continuum.
• Provide education, counseling, and support to patients and families, assisting them in navigating complex healthcare decisions and treatment-related concerns.
• Collaborate with care management teams to facilitate appointments, consultations, and supportive services.
• Review medical documentation to support accurate and complete clinical records and treatment planning.
• Monitor patient progress and outcomes, collect and analyze program data, and support quality improvement and strategic planning initiatives.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and coordination necessary to provide nursing guidance from screening and diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and long-term follow-up.
• Perform ongoing review and evaluation of policies, procedures, and evidence-based practices related to patient navigation and lung nodule management.
• Serve as a resource for staff education, community outreach programs, health fairs, screenings, symposiums, and educational events.
• Maintain effective communication with physicians, advanced practice providers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely intervention and optimal patient outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana, in good standing with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related nursing experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lung cancer screening programs, lung nodule management, oncology navigation, pulmonary care, or population health initiatives.
• 3 - 5 years of professional nursing experience, preferably in oncology, pulmonary medicine, care coordination, case management, or another relevant specialty area.
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong care coordination, case management, and organizational skills.
• Experience reviewing imaging reports and applying evidence-based follow-up guidelines.
• Ability to independently prioritize patient needs and manage a lung nodule tracking registry.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong patient advocacy, education, and counseling abilities.
• Ability to analyze clinical data, track outcomes, and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, and commitment to providing patient-centered care.