Registered Nurse Patient Navigator

POSITION PURPOSE

• Serve as a single point of contact for referring physicians, patients, and caregivers to provide resources and assistance with accessing clinical and supportive care services offered within United Hospital System and the community. In addition, facilitates patient appointments, including those with lab, diagnostic areas, and specialty physicians and fields any concerns or questions families and/or patients may have to optimize the disposition of the patient and to act as the patient/family advocate throughout the course of treatment.
  Coordinates and administers nursing care to patients utilizing the nursing process which involves: an assessment of the patient’s physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs; planning and development of an individualized plan of nursing care; implementation of the patient’s care plan; and evaluation of the patient’s response to that care. Complies with all established standards and practices.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Associate Degree: Nursing

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 1 - 3 years Oncology Experience

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.

• Licensure to be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse or Graduate Nurse in the State of Wisconsin and/or the State of Illinois based on job location assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• The ability to read, write, speak, hear and comprehend the English language.

• Ability to prioritize workload, handle multiple tasks and to work independently with limited supervision.

• Requires strong problem solving, decision making and critical thinking skills.

• Requires excellent leadership, organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with medical teams.

• Excellent presentation skills.

• Computer literate; Microsoft Office competency required.

• Possess excellent telephonic customer service skills.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Use evidence based practice to improve the care of patients with a past, current, or potential future diagnosis.

• Demonstrate effective communication with all members of multidisciplinary healthcare team, including but not limited to physicians, nurses, complimentary medicine team members, physiatrists, social workers, and discharge planners.

• Obtain or develop educational materials for patients, staff, and community members as appropriate.

• Participate in tracking metrics and/or patient outcomes in order to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program.

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills, scientific judgments, and leadership in planning for the care of the patient.

• Following assessment of educational needs, provide and reinforce education to patients, families, and caregivers about the diagnosis, treatment options, side effect management, post-treatment care and survivorship.

• Orientate patients, families, and caregivers to the cancer team(s) available, the multidisciplinary team member roles, and available resources.

• Assess and promote wellness through lifestyle choices and self-care strategies through education and appropriate referrals to ancillary services, including but not limited to dietary, chaplain, social services, etc.

• Facilitate timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic testing, and procedures to expedite the plan of care and promote continuity of care.

• Participate in the coordination of the care plan with the multidisciplinary team to promote timely follow up and supportive care recommendations.

• Responsible for facilitating all new patient visits and obtaining outside records, films, and slides by the scheduled appointment dates.

• Communicate appropriate instructions to patients for scheduled appointments.

• Utilize multiple patient information systems to ensure comprehensive, retrievable information on all patient management and reporting of outcomes.

• Aid in insurance authorization for appropriate visits by communicating and organizing pertinent information.

• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical guidelines through the disease process (i.e. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines).

• Assist in the identification and referral process of candidates for clinical trials and/or genetic counseling as appropriate.

• Participate in the transition of patients from active treatment to survivorship or end of life care.

• Use ethical framework regarding patient care to assist patients with cancer associated issues related to treatment goals, advance directives, palliative care, and end of life concerns.

• Demonstrate a genuine, empathetic approach when working to resolve patient/family issues and when offering support.

• Provide psychosocial support to patients, families and caregivers as needed and/or requested.