RN - Oncology Nurse Navigator

Oncology Nurse Navigator

The Oncology Nurse Navigator will be the patient advocate who is responsible for providing a coordinated navigation process for patients throughout the continuum of their cancer care, from pre-diagnosis to diagnosis and through treatment and survivorship. The Navigator is responsible for collaborating with physicians and members of the multidisciplinary care team to triage, coordinate and manage patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The primary role of the nurse navigator is patient advocacy. The nurse navigator should not be assigned or directly involved in the delivery of therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.).
• Serves as the main point of contact for patients, referring physicians and their employees.
• Serves as a clinical expert to help cancer patients and their families "navigate" through the health care system throughout the course of their disease.
• Communicates and collaborates with health care providers and other employees to facilitate individualized, holistic patient care.
• Facilitates timely coordination of services between diagnosis and treatment.
• Coordinates appointments for diagnostic testing, referrals, treatments and follow up.
• Coordinates care with other health care disciplines such as pharmacy, cancer support team, genetics, clinical trials and other health care team members. Connects the patient with these services.
• Ensures that navigator functions are meeting patient and physician expectations.
• Assesses for and mitigates barriers to care. Assists patients with access concerns (for screening, diagnosis, treatment or survivorship) and assists with paperwork and other barriers as indicated.
• Addresses tangible barriers to care such as finances, housing, transportation, child care, prescription costs and much more. Makes referrals to the appropriate contact, such as social worker, home health, dietitians, spiritual care, etc.
• Acknowledges the value of multi cultured traditions and demonstrates this when caring for patients and their families.
• Maintains communication with patients, survivors, families and the health care providers to monitor patient satisfaction with the cancer care experience.
• Empowers patients, families and caregivers to assume as much responsibility for their care as possible within the constraints of age, illness and other factors.
• Assists in development and performance of specialty services, educational activities, program evaluation and outcome research.
• Identifies educational needs and educates employees, physicians, patients, families and community regarding the navigation program and oncology related topics.
• May provide or coordinate telephone triage services (e.g., symptom management, emotional support, education, resources, referrals) for patients/families as needed.
• Maintains, participates and demonstrates work practices consistent with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives concerning quality improvement, safety, security, environmental conditions and infection control.
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through participation in departmental meetings, in service programs and continuing education programs. Fulfills yearly education requirements.
• Maintains professional attitude with physicians, patients, families and other hospital personnel while assuring confidentiality of patient and other hospital information.
• In consultation with other members of the health care team, promotes awareness of clinical trials as appropriate.
• Educates/identifies patients for genetic counseling or fertility preservation and facilitates appropriate referrals.
• Participates in physician consultations and tumor board conferences.
• Responsible for tracking, documentation and outcome reporting for navigation services which includes maintaining the nurse navigator database.
• Assists with facilitating support groups and arranging appropriate speakers. Attends support groups as able.
• Participates in outcome based quality improvement initiatives.
• Involved in the Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation process and assists in ensuring continuous compliance.
• Completes all CEU's as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• RN with state license required (BSN preferred); Current license to practice nursing in the state; BSN within three years of hire or
• OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) within two years of employment
• Two years of oncology or related experience.

Position Requirements, Certifications, Licenses, Registrations.

• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association required. New hires may obtain certification during onboarding with organizational support.
• Analytical skills necessary to develop and implement effective nursing care and problem solving measures for patients' physical, psychosocial and spiritual well-being
• Ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail
• Ability to organize work and prioritize competing demands
• Must have strong, positive interpersonal skills and an ability to work with multiple health care providers to accomplish work
• Have strong and effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Must be able to work with a variety of diverse and complex patients, families, and both internal and external health care providers
• Competent computer skills in basic software programs
• Ability to work independently in a fast paced environment

Language Skills Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.