RN - 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…