Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator

Major Responsibilities: Patient Contacts and Plan of Care Development 1)Screens for early identification of patients who would benefit from patient navigation. 2)Contacts newly diagnosed cancer patients and, based on anticipated treatment and prognosis, addresses barriers to timely, quality care, and provides information and support accordingly. 3)Uses critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to assist patients with scheduling tests and appointments in a timely manner. 4)Maintains up-to-date information regarding resources that are available in the community and the health system for the patient and family. 5)Provides education and resource information to patients and family members and facilitates referrals to internal and external resources such as the Survivorship Clinic, Family Care Network, American Cancer Society, Imerman's Angels, Wellness House, Gilda's Club, etc. 6)Manages each patient's transition through the system and follows up with the multidisciplinary team transferring accountability to the appropriate person or agency. 7)Identifies opportunities for service improvement, and collaborates with director to address barriers to service improvement and enhance patient retention and satisfaction. 8)Assists in the development of disease specific oncology support groups in conjunction with the APN navigators. Patient Care , Retention & Program Development 1)Collaborates with director to improve patient access, retention, and throughput. 2)Collaborates with director to develop strategies to address trends and volume shifts to support continued program growth. 3)Provides financial counseling to oncology patients by screening newly diagnosed patients and identifying alternative payment sources. 4)Contributes to a positive bottom line by increasing retention of cancer patients at ACMC. 5)Participates in budget planning in collaboration with the director and other oncology navigators to ensure adequate fiscal and human resources to accomplish the work and goals of the outreach program. 6)Actively supports philanthropy, grant writing and fundraising opportunities in order to strengthen the financial performance of the Cancer Institute. Collaboration of Quality Patient Care & Health Outcomes 1)Maintains a database of patients seen, interventions, barriers encountered, and patient dispositions. Collaborates with director and other oncology navigators to analyze database information and plan for program improvements. 2)Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including identification of PI opportunities, potential interventions, measurement of results, and reporting at appropriate venues. 3)Maintains effective and up-to-date communication for the multidisciplinary team. 4)Supports quality of care by recognizing and acting upon opportunities for enhanced adherence to national guidelines. 5)Supports the patient by remaining available for questions regarding the patient's after-care and surveillance care plans. 6)Provides patients with appropriate education related to prevention, diagnosis, tests, surgery, chemotherapy, genetics counseling, radiation therapy, etc. 7)Actively participates in case review, nursing grand rounds, tumor boards and Cancer Committee. 8)Teaches patients about the importance of screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies. 9)Assures continuity of care by interfacing with surgery, in-patient units and out-patient departments. Patient Planning & Outreach 1)Identifies and develops opportunities to better provide information to potential patients and referral sources. 2)Assesses effectiveness of interventions and works with director and oncology navigators to develop plans for improving outreach. 3)Encourages patient loyalty through being responsive to patient, family and physician requests for assistance. 4)Represents the Cancer Institute with community partners and at events. 5)Participates in planning of events and evaluation of event effectiveness. Physician Partnership 1)Contacts new and existing physicians regarding the Nurse Navigator services and oncology service line capabilities. 2)Collaborates with physicians, oncology navigators and members of other departments and disciplines to develop and evaluate programs and services to improve patient access, enhance the continuum of care, and meet the needs of the oncology patient population. 3)Periodically attends relevant medical staff meetings to increase awareness of services available through the nurse navigators. 4)Periodically attends nursing unit and other relevant department meetings (e.g. pain clinic, radiation oncology, infsuion center, rehab, etc.) to increase awareness of services available through the nurse navigators. 5)Provides physician follow up in a timely manner. Associate Engagement, Learning and Development 5)Participates in system collaboratives and initiatives as needed. 6)Performs additional responsibilities as may be required. 1)Maintains clinical knowledge through continuous learning and certification. 2)Collaborates with Cancer Institute leadership team to plan and implement initiatives for patient psychosocial assessment and support, financial counseling, patient navigation, community outreach and marketing. 3)Acts as a resource to nursing staff for oncology patients and assists staff in assessing and planning the care of these patients. 4)Models behavioral expectations consistent with nursing and organizational strategic goals. Licensure: Nurse, Registered (RN) Education/Experience Required: • BSN • Five years nursing experience • Three years oncology experience • OCN® • CPR Certification Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Ability to work with several software application products. (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.). • Ability to enter data into spreadsheets • Excellent communication and critical thinking skills Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: • Ability to interact with people of many diverse cultural backgrounds. • Ability to work independently • Knowledge of and strict adherence to HIPAA regulations. • Flexible hours • Local travel in personal vehicle If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.