Nurse Navigator

Overview Essential Functions: The nurse provides initial and continuous nursing assessment of patients in relation to diagnosis and stage of disease. This includes monitoring vital signs, registration, ordering, collecting, preparing and securing specimens for laboratory analysis, preparing and assisting with patient exams/treatments/surgical and diagnostic procedures, administering treatment or medications as ordered by physicians, and performing screening testing. Responsibilities Develops and maintains effective channels of communication within the department, with other nurses, and other modalities in the Radiology Department. Collaborates with physicians and other clinical disciplines regarding individual patient care. Assists staff with retrieval of diagnostic test results and patient records. Communicates patient status when transferring responsibility of nursing care. Educates patients and their families about therapy treatments; including possible side effects, skin care, dietary requirements, and follow-up care. Addresses the psychological needs of the patient and family, and provides emotional support and reassurance. Coordinates with other departments, as needed. Considers and applies knowledge of age-specific factors in the care, treatment, assessment, and education of patients (newborn through geriatric). Applies safety and infection control policies. Accurately documents nursing care for each patient. Observes patients for reactions to prescribed therapies, medications, and diagnostic procedures. Assesses alterations in patient conditions or responses and reports observations and follows up. Assists and educates the radiation therapist on the delivery of proper nursing care including patient appliances, aides, nutrition, medications, skin care, and emotional support. Maintains adequate inventory of medical supplies and equipment for exams, treatment, and diagnostic procedures; maintains accurate records for budgetary and inventory processes. Prepares and stocks examination rooms. Participates in professional activities, in-services, and committee meetings to obtain new knowledge about nursing care trends as they apply to radiation therapy and patient care/safety. Establishes and maintains communication with vendors about new supplies and equipment to improve care and services. Assists the Director in the development and implementation of quality assessment activities and patient care and nursing policies and procedures. Acts as a team player by supporting and interacting with all members of the department, helping out wherever needed. Performs charge capture for Physician consultation and RN exam room teaching time. Navigation: Serves as the Cancer Navigator for Radiation Therapy and Lung Screening Navigator for the Lung Screening Program. Functions as a liaison for healthcare professionals, manages the patient\'s care and coordinates efforts for treatment through patient assessments. Compiles data, tracks outcomes and progress, follows care plans, ensures compliance of care plans, and makes recommendations for process/plan improvement. Coordinates the provision of care for each patient to ensure achievement of outcomes by minimizing care gaps and facilitating delivery of care as ordered. Maintains awareness of patient financial constraints; coordinates with others as needed for those patients. Provides medication review and collects patient care information in preparation for physician consults (including orders, H&P, labs, DI reports, pathology, and other documents as needed per patient). Performs discharge phone calls. CT Simulation and Biopsy Procedures: Starts IVs; administers IVs and IV medications; administers medications, including narcotics per physician orders; provides dressing changes as necessary; collects patient care information for preparation of biopsy procedures; assists the Radiologist with the biopsy procedure; performs documentation in the EMR; transports patients; provides recovery of the patient following biopsy procedures; communicates with the patient and/or family; coordinates provision of care with other departments within the hospital; performs other duties as assigned; initiates CPR. Qualifications Knowledge of accepted nursing standards and practices. Knowledge of radiation safety and radiation therapy practices and procedures desired. Possess skills in analytical thinking, planning, and organization. Demonstrated ability to communicate well with clients and other healthcare professionals. Physical Demands May require frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and grasping. Occasionally requires lifting and #J-18808-Ljbffr Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital