Nurse Navigator (RN) - Surgical Specialists (Breast Center)

Glens Falls Hospital•Glens Falls, NY

About The Position

The Nurse Navigator functions as an advocate, educator, and counselor for patients on a multidisciplinary team. Through direct clinical practice, consultation, education, and research, the Nurse Navigator helps ensure surgical patients receive comprehensive, high-quality services based on best practices and national guidelines. The role coordinates patient care from diagnosis through survivorship in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and serves as a clinical resource and liaison across the facility and community for services supporting this patient population. The position provides emotional and educational support to patients and families, coordinates follow-up for abnormal screening and diagnostic examinations, supports patients undergoing biopsy and other interventional procedures, and coordinates timely surgical care. It also contributes to community education, support programs, quality improvement, professional development, and program development.

Requirements

At least 2 years of Medical/Surgical experience; 5 years is preferred.
Experience demonstrating increasing accountability and advanced clinical decision-making skills.
Documented experience providing patient education and collaborating with other disciplines.
Demonstrated leadership skills in professional nursing practice, at a level equivalent to the Professional Nurse Advancement Program Proficient Level (III).
Knowledge of patients’ ability to understand their diagnosis and care plan, and ability to adapt communication to age, education level, coping skills, reading ability, hearing, and language barriers.
Flexibility, creativity, leadership, and organizational skills.
Mature sensitivity to individuals and families adjusting to cancer or a surgical experience.
Ability to collaborate with physicians and staff at various levels.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Current license and registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
BLS Certification.
Certification from a specialty organization, Oncology Nursing Society, required within 2 years.

Nice To Haves

Five years of Medical/Surgical experience.
Oncology nursing experience.
BSN.
AONN certification is recommended.
Training in BSE and CBE is preferred; training will be provided depending on focus area.

Responsibilities

Provide emotional and educational support to patients and families who are newly diagnosed with cancer or require surgery, including pre-treatment and pre-procedure education.
Help patients navigate transitions across phases of care by providing support and education based on best practices and national guidelines, and participate in interdisciplinary rounds and care coordination.
Coordinate follow-up for abnormal screening and diagnostic exams, including communicating with ordering providers, explaining next steps to patients, and scheduling follow-up exams.
Educate patients about biopsy procedures, review patient history, and coordinate needs with providers, such as stopping contraindicated medications and arranging laboratory work or infusions.
Communicate patients’ medical and emotional needs to the radiologist and surgeon performing procedures.
Assist with interventional procedures by supporting patients’ emotional and physical needs, assessing and monitoring vital signs, intervening as needed, and providing site care and bandaging.
Provide follow-up site checks and support as needed.
Coordinate scheduling with surgeons to promote timely interventions and good patient outcomes.
Facilitate transitions to the Oncology Education and Support Services Nurse Navigator for cancer care services as needed.
Collaborate with radiologists, technologists, surgeons, nursing staff, and support staff to provide patient-centered care.
Participate in support groups and patient education and support programs with the interdisciplinary team.
Participate in community outreach and education about breast health and surgical services.
Participate in quality-improvement activities for Breast and surgical services departments.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support consistent, high-quality service delivery across settings.
Maintain and expand knowledge and role expertise through self-development and regular continuing education.
Participate in developing, implementing, and evaluating OESS programs, guidelines, and procedures.