Nurse Navigator

The role of the Nurse Navigator is that of consultant and educator in the implementation and coordination of the multi-disciplinary care, education and rehabilitation of the cancer patient. The Nurse Navigator is to provide support, education, coordination of care, and other assistance during the diagnosis and treatment planning stages for the pre and post-operative patient. The Nurse Navigator utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to planning and providing care, acts as liaison between oncology services and other ancillary services (surgery, genetics, medical oncology, radiation oncology, social worker, rehabilitation, and nuclear medicine support groups) to ensure that the specific needs and concerns of the cancer patient are addressed. Acts as a representative of Comprehensive Oncology Services to the patients, their caregivers and support systems, referring physician, hospital staff, local, state and federal agencies and organizations, and develops and participates in the hospital and community outreach educational programs.

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to departmental policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations. Seeks opportunities to participate in developing/revising standards of practice to meet changing patient requirements.

Utilizes clinical nursing skills in observation, assessment, diagnosis and counseling. Initiates and maintains ongoing assessment considering physiological, psychological, spiritual, cultural and developmental needs of the pre and post-op cancer patient and their caregivers. Serves as resource/liaison in planning care for patients, their caregivers and multi-disciplinary health care providers.

In collaboration with the patient, caregivers and multi-disciplinary members of the patients health care team, systematically develops, updates and coordinates the patients pre and post-op plan of care, identifying abnomal findings when applicable and makes appropriate referrals and evaluates outcomes of plan of care.

Identifies health/cancer educational needs of patient and caregivers. Develops, implements and evaluates teaching program to meet the identified needs. Effectively uses and adapts a variety of teaching resources in meeting the specific needs of each individual patient and caregiver(s). Communicates educational outcomes to appropriate leadership. Presents formal education programs and provides individual guidance to staff.

Provides for emotional and psychological support of patients and caregivers during the crisis of cancer diagnosis. Models patient/family advocacy.

Establishes a collaborative relationship with multi-disciplinary medical staff and other departments. Makes referrals to appropriate community resources. Coordinates conferences associated with comprehensive specialty services. Maintains updated cancer resource materials.

Assists in the development of Comprehensive Service goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Participates in the development of health educational programs and provides health educational programs and materials in the rehabilitation setting.

Enhances growth and development and enriches person knowledge and skill through participation in educational programs and professional affililiations.

Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Provides feedback regarding participant performance in the participant and other appropriate individuals as necessary.

Participates in meeting and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.

Evaluates clinical and education supplies for effectiveness and monitors appropriate utilization and cost-effectiveness.

Educates patients on clinical trials and facilitates enrollment in these trials.

Nurse Navigator communicates with all services.

Anticipates, identifies and helps patients to overcome barriers within the healthcare system to ensure prompt diagnostic and treatment resolution of an abnormal finding of cancer.

REQUIRED: Adherence to credentialing requirements of AAMC as stated in the nursing bylaws. Minimum of three years clinical nursing experience. Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing or related field with experience in health and/or oncolocy clinical coordination preferred. Computer literate. Strong assessment skills of patient needs and concerns. Able to perform duties autonomously under direction of multiple disciplines. Experience in Case Management desirable.