RN Nurse Navigator

Purpose:

A patient navigator is defined as a medical professional whose clinical expertise and training guides patients and their caregivers to make informed decisions, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to allow for timely cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and increased supportive care across the cancer continuum. In essence, nurse navigators guide patients through the healthcare system and help them to overcome barriers to optimal care.

The navigation of patients with cancer requires extensive knowledge, specialized skills, and good clinical judgment, which can improve outcomes. This position will work in coordination with St. Agnes Medical Center and cCARE.

Imaging Center Duties

* At the time of diagnostic abnormality is found es Imaging, Cancer Care Nurse coordinator would be notified. (currently a list is provided) At that time, the coordinator would contact primary care and inform them of what has been found and the multidisciplinary program we have to offer.

* The care navigator would contact the patient and arrange for a breast consult. Ideally this visit would be prior to the biopsy.

* Navigator would help to follow-up on the biopsies. If the patient has not been seen by the breast surgeon, results are given back to the primary physician, and again the nurse navigator would attempt to get the patient scheduled in consultation with the breast surgeons.

* They would do an initial intake, including a genetic screen tool to look for patients meeting NCCN guidelines for testing. If patient meets criteria, MD's informed and testing ordered at initial visit. Consults placed to genetics.

* This person will help to be the bridge between St. Agnes imaging and the breast center

cCare Duties

* If the biopsies results indicate a malignancy, the nurse navigator would help to schedule appointments with the multidisciplinary team ( med onc, rad onc)

* Nurse Coordinator will then help to oversee studies that need to get done, and additional visits that are required. She will help coordinate visits and testing on the same day to limit amount of travel, particularly for patients that need to travel a distance.

* Nurse Coordinator would be the point person for the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient to call with questions on appointments, test schedule, etc.

* Help to initiate consults to social work, nutrition, genetics as needed.

Experience, Qualifications/

Education:

* High school diploma or equivalent required

* Must have current RN license with the California State Board of Nursing

* Current CPR certification required

* Previous Breast/Patient Navigator experience preferred

* Strong customer service background, preferably in healthcare environment

* Excellent verbal communication skills

* Knowledge of drug names, both brand and generic, and available dosage forms

* Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks

* Proficiency in computer processing functions and other standard office equipment

* Ability to calmly and professionally resolve customer issues with diplomacy and tact

* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

* Strong organizational skills

Working Conditions:

* This position functions primarily indoors in a medical / business environment. Employee may be subject to blood borne pathogens, radiation, bio waste and other medically-related factors, with exposure to moderate noise levels.

* Visual acuity to read and compute screen and paper documents; close and distance vision, peripheral vision depth perception, ability to adjust focus; hearing acuity to converse with staff and customers; ability to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, and lift and move 25 pounds on a regular basis; ability to sit for hours at a time. Employee will be exposed to moderate noise levels, interruptions, and occasionally asked to work evening and weekends as needed.