Position Objective:

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.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 abnormal findings when applicable and makes appropriate referrals and evaluates outcomes of plan of care.
4. 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.
5. Provides for emotional and psychological support of patients and caregivers during the crisis of cancer diagnosis. Models patient/family advocacy.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Enhances growth and development and enriches personal knowledge and skill through participation in educational programs and professional affiliations.
9. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Provides feedback regarding participant performance in the participant and other appropriate individuals as necessary.
10. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of three years clinical nursing experience.
• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing or related field with experience in health and/or oncology clinical coordination preferred.
• Computer literate.
• Strong assessment skills of patient need and concerns.
• Able to perform duties autonomously under direction of multiple disciplines.
• Experience in Case Management desirable.

Required License/Certifications:

• Adherence to credentialing requirements of AAMC as stated in the nursing bylaws

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will or will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands -

_{Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.}

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.