Oncology Nurse Navigator

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.

USA Health is changing how medical care, education and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists and researchers provide the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall wellbeing of our community.

Responsibilities

Responsible for ensuring patients at Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) receive quality and comprehensive coordinated care services; functions to promote timely access to appropriate care, decrease emergency room visits, increase utilization of preventative care services and promotion of patients’ self-management and shared decision making capabilities; represents the multidisciplinary team of specialists as an advocate, interpreter, educator and counselor for the oncology patient, their family and referring public; creates and promotes adherence to both treatment and survivorship care plans, developed in coordination with the patient, family and multidisciplinary team; serves as primary contact point, advocate, and informational resource for patients, care team, family/caregiver(s), payers, and community resources; demonstrates knowledge, skill, and coordination to provide care and guidance to the cancer patient from screening to survivorship; works with patients to plan and monitor care to include patients’ unmet health and social needs; develops a care plan with the patient, family/caregiver(s) and provides both treatment plan and survivorship plan post-treatment; monitors adherence to care plans, evaluates effectiveness, monitors patient progress in a timely manner, and facilitates changes as needed, creating an ongoing process for patient and family/caregiver(s) to determine and request the level of care coordination support they desire at any given point in time; systematically and continually performs the functions of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of the oncology patient; provides education and information to the patient and family, helping to make the care seamless, continuous and comprehensive; initiates appointment for chemotherapy education and coordinates process of completion prior to initiation of chemotherapy; documents patient teaching including family and others, based on assessment of needs and responds to patient requests for information regarding disease process, expected side effects of treatment and community resources; supports family through difficult decision-making periods and assists in coordination of care for the patient and family and provides emotional support; cultivates and supports primary care and specialty provider co-management with timely communication, inquiry follow-up and integration of information into the care plan regarding transitions in-care and referral assists with the identification of "high-risk"patients (the chronically ill and those with special health care needs); works across healthcare disciplines to assist in coordinating patient tests, procedures, appointments, and treatments and assists patients in overcoming barriers to care including, but not limited to, transportation, financial counseling and referrals; refers patients for supportive care services including nutritionists, social workers, counselors, and financial counselors; assists eligible patients in coordination of care with clinical trials coordinators; participates in multidisciplinary consultations and/or tumor conferences and serves as liaison between the patient and medical staff and services; regular and prompt attendance; ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required; related duties as required. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama, five years of professional nursing experience, three of which were in oncology, OR graduation from an accredited school of nursing meeting the minimum standards set by the state of Alabama, seven years of professional nursing experience, five of which were in oncology. Current licensure with the state of Alabama as a registered nurse, and must acquire certification to administer chemotherapy and ACLS certification within six months of employment. Excellent communication skills are required.

Experience in care coordination, patient navigation and/or case management is highly preferred.