ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATOR

Full-time

600 East Boulevard

Professional

Day

Reports to the Director, Oncology Services. Manages resources through interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal patient outcomes for oncology patients. Coordinates research data, community physicians and Beacon Health System/Elkhart General Hospital resources into a seamless model of access and care that benefits patients, participating physicians and family members. Serves as a hospital ambassador from the patient's first contact to follow-up post-treatment for coordination of and education regarding oncology services through and between treatment modalities. Coordinates the patient care and operations of assigned multidisciplinary oncology clinics.

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.

Serves as a Elkhart General Hospital ambassador, and coordinates oncology patients' care throughout the entire continuum of their care, by:

* Assisting oncology patients (who have had, for example, abnormal exams or positive findings) navigate through the healthcare system.
* Conducting weekly follow-up interviews with all patients and communicating concerns, changes in patient health or social needs to the appropriate physician or other appropriate care providers.
* Networking with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure effective implementation of patients' plans of care and the establishment of desired patient outcomes.
* Assisting the physician by acting as a liaison between the family and the inter-disciplinary team by educating and assisting with the understanding of the plan of care to patients, families and other members of the healthcare team.
* Providing support to patients with issues or concerns regarding such things as insurance, transportation, child care, financial resources, language barriers and education; also managing the patient's concerns so they can focus on getting well.
* Initiating referrals to Elkhart General Hospital and various community resources in order to connect patients with resources and support systems.
* Connecting patient with necessary resources such as pain management, massage therapy, dietary referral, etc.
* Interfacing with community agencies to coordinate referrals as needed.
* Organizing information about appointments and explaining the order and time sequence of treatments.
* Supporting patients' compliance with medical instructions and referrals as necessary.
* Monitoring patients' care while concurrently tracking variances, interventions and outcomes.
* Referring information regarding variance trends to the Director or the appropriate Physician Reviewer for review and action.
* Reviewing patient medical records to monitor completeness and accuracy, which includes the identification of medical issues that have not been addressed.
* Coordinating the gathering and reporting of patient outcome information, which includes following up with patients after procedures.
* Providing survivorship planning to patients; also assisting with plans related to short-term and long-term care.
* Conducting health screenings and providing educational offerings in the community.
* Maintains an active role in the Oncology Care Committee, reporting all activities to the group and the American College of Surgeons as required.

Participates in continuous quality improvement by:

* Compiling and analyzing data that is required for generating reports; also ensuring the data accurately represents utilization trends and patterns.
* Preparing summaries and reports for review by the Director, Quality Management.

Coordinates the activities of the multidisciplinary oncology clinics by:

* Managing the patients under each individual oncology clinic (currently the Bone Marrow Transplant and Thoracic Clinics).
* Providing direct nursing care for multidisciplinary clinics.
* Coordinating the scheduling of necessary procedures and follow up required.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

* Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

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 accredited nursing program. A clinical master's level program in Nursing is preferred. An Oncology Certified Nursing certification and a current license to practice as an RN in Indiana are required. A minimum of five years of oncology nursing experience is required. Prior experience in a leadership role (which utilized problem-solving and conflict management processes) in a healthcare setting is required.

Knowledge & Skills

* Requires thorough knowledge of oncology clinical care practices, procedures and techniques.
* Requires thorough knowledge of the community agencies, services, programs and resources that are available to assist patients and their families.
* Requires knowledge of counseling techniques and the ability to identify and utilize appropriate resources.
* Demonstrates the communication skills (which includes verbal, written and listening) necessary to effectively counsel patients and their families.
* Demonstrates the interpersonal skills necessary to promote and maintain cooperative, courteous and sincere relationships with patients, family members, physicians, staff and the public.
* Demonstrates sensitivity and the ability to use tact when working with patients and their families.
* Requires time management and problem-solving skills and the ability to independently prioritize and organize work activities; also requires the ability to work effectively under pressure.
* Demonstrates the computer skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use and support various computer programs.

Working Conditions

* Works in various environments with frequent changes in job demands.
* Requires travel to referral sources, satellite and other locations.
* Work hours will fluctuate based upon the needs of the patients served.

Physical Demands

* Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.

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