ONCOLOGY NURSE NAVIGATOR

Full-time

600 East Boulevard

Professional

Day

$5,000 Sign-on Bonus Available

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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