Nurse Navigator

Category:

RN Professional

City:

Jackson

State:

Tennessee

Shift:

8 - Day (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

The Nurse Navigator is responsible for guiding and directing cancer patients through The Kirkland Cancer Center. The Nurse Navigator facilitates the care of the cancer patient with The Kirkland Cancer multi-disciplinary care team by coordinating high quality patient care across all care delivery sites. This position serves as the single point of contact or referring physicians, patients, and caregivers to provide resources and assistance with accessing clinical and supportive care services offered within the healthcare system and community. Assist with access issues, developing relationships with service providers, and tracking interventions and outcomes. Navigate patients from treatment to survivorship using expertise and knowledge to coordinate between primary care physicians and specialists as well as plan and execute projects relevant to the cancer patient, cancer caregivers, and the cancer community. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the nurse navigator is responsible for assigned scheduled hours on a full-time basis and is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for overall coordination of clinical oncology services throughout the continuum in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.

• Initiates communication with patients upon learning they have a cancer diagnosis.

• Guides patient through the health care system.

• Assesses health status of patients who are targeted for participation in cancer care management program conduct initial assessment interview and screening.

• Connects patients to community and social support services.

• Functions as key member of the multidisciplinary team and contributes to development of work processes.

• Serves as the main point of contact for patients, families, and referring physicians.

• Facilitates interaction and communication with the health care staff and providers.

• Ensures appropriate patient appointments.

• Arranges for patient testing and admissions.

• Maintains and reviews patient records.

• Efficiently documents medical information using the appropriate forms and/or electronic applications.

• Tracks interventions and outcomes.

• Builds relationships with patient and families; Maintains contact and keeps other care team members apprised of patient status.

• Provides disease/treatment specific education to both patients and families.

• Conducts and promotes patient, family, staff, and community education through the use of expert clinical knowledge base.

• Identifies and documents individual patient’s education barriers.

• Assist patient/family to develop questions prior to office visits for discussion with providers.

• Review the team’s findings and recommendations with patient/family after appointments to ensure understanding.

• Acts as an advocate, interpreter, educator, counselor and caregiver for oncology patients and families.

• Identifies obstacles and refers to team members for solutions for issues affecting compliance with treatment plan.

• Evaluates patient psychological needs and connects patient with appropriate resources.

• Collaborate with patients to establish realistic goals and activities to enhance patient self management and participation in plan of care.

• Participates in the development of assessment tools, care management guidelines, pathways and algorithms for cross continuum care of patients with cancer at all points in the care continuum

• Notifies Medical Director of complex patient care issues or concerns.

• Assists in the implementation of performance improvement programs for the care management of patients Monitors progress in achieving demonstrable care management, clinical, and administrative outcomes

• Demonstrates knowledge of the Tennessee State Nurse practice Act and follows the statutes and regulations therein.

• Demonstrates appropriate delegation of tasks and duties in the direction and coordination of health care team members, patient care, and department activities in accordance with the Tennessee State Nurse Practice Act.

• Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

Survivorship (collaborates with Nurse Practitioner’s Survivorship clinic)

• Follows patient through transition from active treatment to long term survivorship

• Educates patient and family on healthy lifestyles and behavior modifications to reduce risk or recurrence

• Works collaboratively and act as resource for all other multidisciplinary care coordinators

• Maintains collaborative professional relationship with clinicians and administrative staff necessary to develop and implement a successful program.

JOB SPECIICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Skill and proficiency in the principles, concepts and techniques of the nursing profession with special emphasis on oncology nursing. Graduate of CCNE or NLNAC accredited school of nursing.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIICATION:

• Current license as a registered nurse in the State of Tennessee

• BLS certification required

• Membership in Nurse Navigator or Oncology Nurse Navigator organization desired within 1 year of employment

EXPERIENCE:

• 3 years nursing experience in oncology

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates competent clinical judgment and leadership ability

• Demonstrates ability for problem solving and decision making

• Demonstrates ability to establish rapport with personnel, patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.

• Knowledge of Pathophysiology of specific disease process

• Knowledge of oncology treatment modalities and rationales including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, symptom management, and survivor care

• Understanding of current clinical guidelines for cancer treatment (NCCN guidelines)

• Understanding of ACOS accreditation requirements

• Highly effective organizational, verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work autonomously

• Analytical skills to gather and summarize information or planning and development

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, think independently, take initiative, meet deadlines

• Knowledge of WTH policies and procedures as acquired by 3 month probationary period

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.