Reports to Oncology leadership. Companions' cancer patient/family wherever they receive services in the Memorial Hospital experience from onset of diagnosis until no longer needed. Listens actively and advocates for patient/family to help enhance their cancer experience and meet their needs. Provides education/counseling when needed in the areas of advanced directives, end of life decision-making, grief/loss issues, and makes appropriate referrals if there are longer term care needs. Participates in community events to raise awareness of cancer prevention.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Advocacy / Liaison Skills

• Companions' cancer patient/family wherever they receive services in the cancer experience from onset of diagnosis until no longer needed.
• Works closely with physician's offices to provide physicians, office staff, and patients a seamless entry into cancer treatment. Appearance all is one.
• Seeks to coordinate the physician and nursing care plans via personalization and customization to enhance the patient experience. May do this by attending MD appointments with patient and family as needed.
• Empowers patient/families by educating those regarding choices about their care and by providing multiple resources for improved coping.
• Referrals made to integrative therapies when possible.
• Develops relationships with outside complementary agencies including doctor's offices in order to make our services more personalized and improved.
• Knowledge of the hospital resources and departments and acts as liaison between the patient/family and these resources.
• Anticipates the needs of patients and their families and serve as liaison between departments or outside agencies to resolve or smooth out the transitions of a somewhat confusing system of care.
• Advocates for patient/family in the area of employment /financial problems by offering resources or referrals to help with FMLA, insurance/billing issues/questions, Medicare, Medicaid, COBRA, Social Security Disability or a multitude of financial struggles.
• Maintains follow up communication with patients and families via telephone conversation, email, and in writing as needed.
• Provides emotional guidance with illness related issues, treatment decisions, quality of life issues, coping/communication, and end of life and exploration of DNR.
• Provides teaching and guidance to patients and families regarding Advance Directives, Living Wills, and Health Care Representation.
• Assists in finding transportation to and from oncology care appointments when needed working with a variety of agencies and/or arranging/procuring rides. 

Compassion

• Commits to being a trusted guide respecting each patient's/family's cultural and personal differences. The willingness to go beyond the limits of technical expertise and professional requirements, understanding the role he/she plays as an instrument of healing.
• Actively listens and advocates for patient/family to help enhance their cancer experience and meet their needs.
• Thinks outside the box.
• Respects on-stage, off-stage areas and acts accordingly.

Clinician

• Initiates comprehensive assessment during initial contact and then facilitates updates on an ongoing basis throughout a patient's cancer experience. 
• Distress screening reviews to evaluate areas of need on a case by case basis.
• Assists patient/family in understanding insurance policies and accessing them.
• Seamlessly incorporates physician offices and staff on the Cancer Journey with the patients and families.
• Is educated about each patient's cancer and course of treatment in order to be a continual resource throughout the patient's journey.
• Follows patients throughout the continuum of care.
• Takes leadership in offering appropriate and personalized referrals to community agencies. Including arranging transportation needs for patients.
• Provides education/counseling when needed in the areas of advanced directives, end of life decision-making, grief/loss issues and makes appropriate referrals if there are longer term care needs.
• Assists with foundation financial assistance programs.
• Manages a caseload of patients while still providing personalized care.
• Takes initiative to attend organizational and community-based educational programs for professional development.
• Attends physician appointments as needed and checking in with patients before and after surgery.

Community Support/Program Support/Financial Responsibilities

• Continually evaluates the effectiveness of the guide through each cancer patient's journey and seeks immediate feedback in order to improve their experience.
• Supports various outcome / satisfaction measurement tools.
• Reports analysis of trends or issues through appropriate channels in order to improve the health care delivery system.
• Participates in Community events to raise awareness of Cancer prevention.
• Assists with new programs as needed. 
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department.
• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an associate degree or Professional Training. RN, BSN BSW/MSW preferred. Prefer associate degree in health-Related Field. A minimum of 5 years of job-related experience either as an RN or case manager or Radiation Therapy is required. Clinical experience appropriate to designated patient population; management or similar experience in relating across disciplines in complex healthcare environment but willingness to "think outside the box." After January 1, 2014, candidates are required to have or obtain a BSN within five (5) years of employment as a Registered Nurse or will have to option to obtain certification in area of specialty. The certification must be maintained based off of accrediting body standards.

Knowledge & Skills

• Understands function of complex healthcare organization providing broad scope of services.
• Ability to communicate positively and effectively with all levels of participants in health care delivery in both formal and informal settings and with individuals as well as groups of varying size.
• Clinical expertise in Oncology Care.

Working Conditions

• Complexity of patient guidance and communication may cause mental stress.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.