NAVIGATOR- UR CANCER CENTER

United Regional•Wichita Falls, TX

About The Position

Oncology Care Navigator provides guidance for patients and families with newly diagnosed cancers, such as breast, lung, and colorectal malignancies through the complex cancer journey. They support patients and families with diagnosis, coordinating care, providing education, and assistance with social determinants of health in compliance with organizational policies and nursing standards. They act as a bridge between patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring timely, equitable and compassionate support across the cancer continuum.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Registered with the BON for the State of Texas.
BCLS
Demonstrates competency in the care of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Use common sense and special nursing skills to care for the sick or handicapped.
Understands technical information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals, and labels.
Works quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
Communicate with people when they are sick, handicapped, or nervous.
Changes from one duty to another frequently, follows reasonable instructions and records information accurately.
Sets priorities, makes decisions based on available data, and supervises others.
Knowledge of oncology workflows
Ability to provide education and clinical guidance
Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

Maintains knowledge of medication most commonly used in the practice area. Correctly administers medications, including IV push medications and emergency drugs. Calculates dosage/titrates IV drip medications. Monitors vital signs and observes patients for possible medication or blood transfusion reaction.
Provides ADLs for all patients.
Administers direct patient care. Demonstrates competency in caring for patients in all age groups. Aids physicians by providing information or assistance during treatments and examinations of patients. Orients new staff by teaching or assisting with procedures. Patient Transfers to other institutions: Verifies physician orders; obtains copy of chart; consults Social Work when indicated; completes general transfer form and accompany patient; completes memorandum of transfer and obtains required signatures. Keeps family informed of changes in patient condition, plan of care. Elicits and/or provides pertinent information during patient reports.
Information Technology: Demonstrates knowledge of basic computer functions, i.e. order entry. Assures accuracy in transcription of physician orders and data entry into computers. Appropriate use of patient acuity system.
Policy/Procedure/Quality/Safety: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of and enforces unit and facility routines, policies, protocols and procedures to include but not limited to: Demonstrates ability to work with and troubleshoot equipment used in area of practice. Incident Reports: Initiates and/or completes forms as situation dictates; keeps nurse/ manager informed of unusual events.
Rooms patients and completes nursing intake, including vital signs, medication reconciliation, and symptom assessment
Assists with patient check-out and reinforces provider instructions
Administers medications as ordered and monitors for adverse reactions
Performs port access, flushing, and laboratory draws per protocol
Answers patient medical questions and ensure clinical advice is provided in a timely manner, escalating concerns appropriately
Provides ongoing patient education throughout chemotherapy and cancer treatments
Assist patients with social determinants of health needs, including medication assistance, financial resources, transportation, and food insecurity
Completes FMLA and other required medical paperwork accurately and timely
Documents assessments, interventions, education, and coordination activities in the EMR
Adheres to policies, procedures, safety standards, and quality initiatives
Perform all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary