Oncology Nurse Navigator- Early Detection Lung Cancer Program

RN- Oncology Nurse Navigator For Early Detection Lung Cancer Program

We are seeking a responsible, self-motivated individual to join our UNC Cancer team as a Nurse Navigator!

In this role, you will be a vital member of the patient's interdisciplinary team guiding them through their cancer care journey.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule consisting of a combination of remote and in-person responsibilities.

An experienced RN is needed to facilitate the treatment plan and help the oncology patient transition from the inpatient setting to the outpatient setting, as well as diagnosis through treatment to survivorship or end of life.

An oncology nurse navigator (ONN) is a professional Registered Nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers as a guide through the healthcare system.

The navigator provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.

In addition to facilitating timely complex coordination of appointments, diagnostic testing and procedures, the navigator is responsible for identifying potential and realized challenges with care and facilitating referrals as appropriate to mitigate barriers and expedite the plan of care.

The ONN assesses patients' current health practices, identifies health problems, determines the degree of compliance and problems complying with the prescribed treatment plan, and provides appropriate documentation.

By analyzing data from patient interviews, chart reviews, and physical assessments, the ONN helps to determine individualized nursing care needs including direct care and referral for additional departments/physicians for new and ongoing management.

Navigators must be compassionate while possessing excellent verbal and written communication, strong organizational/prioritization skills as well as the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively with healthcare teams. Basic working knowledge of managed care, insurance coverage, procedures, and community resources is preferred, but can be learned. Prior Epic experience is helpful, but not required. Preference will be given to applicants with at least 5 years of Oncology Nursing experience.

Each patient has an assigned nurse navigator to oversee their diagnosis and treatment, help them get their needs met, and serve as their personal resource. The specific purpose of the nurse navigator is 1) to expedite and facilitate access to initial and ongoing care in our system, 2) to personalize the care our patients receive, 3) to provide a single gateway for our patients to minimize confusion over communication and 4) to provide a consistent contact for our patients from diagnosis to survivorship. The nurse navigator is patient-oriented, not physician or division specific, and will facilitate care of the patient and family across the many disciplines and professionals required for their care. The nurse navigator acts as the liaison for the patient and family addressing their concerns and questions, and works with program assistants to arrange their various appointments with their providers.

Responsibilities include ensuring continuity of communication between a patient's various care providers, patient care duties such as interviewing patients regarding their current health practices, and analyzing data to determine patient's nursing care needs. Additional duties related to coordinating patient care specifically for the cancer patient. Coordinates scheduling of tests labs, x-rays, consults. Interacts with referring physician's offices for new and ongoing patient care issues. Programmatic leadership.