Oncology Nurse Navigator

• Elkhart, IN
• Oncology
• Elkhart General Hospital
• Full-time - Day - M-F Days
• Req #: 211496
Posted: Yesterday-->

Summary

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.