Oncology Nurse Navigator

Summit Health CityMD•Clifton, NJ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an on-site position for Oncology Navigation in our Clifton, NJ office. This position will work with 50% Breast patients as well as GI, Lung and Prostate patients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree desired.
Certification as a Breast Nurse Navigator or Oncology Nurse Navigator preferred or ability to obtain within one to two years.
Registered RN license required.
BLS Certification required.
Minimum 5-8 years of oncology experience preferred
Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use standard office equipment (Phone, fax, copy machine, scanner, email, voice mail)
Ability to use standard office technology including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with an EMR.
Ability to travel between multiple locations.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates critical thinking to assess and meet the needs of patients by providing care coordination throughout the cancer continuum beginning with the diagnosis of cancer through survivorship and/or end of life.
Assesses patient needs upon initial encounter and periodically throughout navigation, matching unmet needs with appropriate services and referrals and support services, such as dietitians, providers, social work and financial services.
Adheres to key touchpoints for navigation (attached) including introduction to navigation at time of cancer diagnosis, post-operative care planning, follow up care and survivorship.
Orients and educates patients, families, and caregivers to the cancer healthcare system, multidisciplinary team member roles and available resources.
In collaboration with other members of the health care team, build partnerships with local agencies and groups that may assist with cancer patient care, support, or educational needs.
Identifies potential and realized barriers to care (e.g. transportation, childcare, elder care, housing, language, culture, literacy, psychosocial, employment, financial, insurance) and facilitates referrals as appropriate to mitigate barriers.
Participates in coordination of the plan of care with the multidisciplinary team, promoting timely follow-up on treatment and supportive care recommendations.
Obtains, develops and coordinates the availability of oncology-related educational materials for patients, staff, and community members as appropriate. Orders materials as needed to ensure inventory.
Provides anticipatory guidance, education and appropriate referrals to assist patients in coping with diagnosis of cancer and its potential or expected outcomes.
As part of the multidisciplinary team, provides education and reinforces to patients, families and caregivers the significance of adherence to treatment schedules, protocols and follow-up.
Provides appropriate and timely education to patients, families, and caregivers to facilitate understanding and support informed decision making.
Acts as a liaison between the patients, families, and caregivers and the providers to optimize patient outcomes.
Advocates for patients to promote optimal care and outcomes.
Promotes awareness of clinical trials to patients, families, and caregivers.
Assists in the identification of candidates for genetic counseling and facilitates appropriate referrals.
Provides psychosocial support to and facilitates appropriate referrals for patients, families and caregivers, especially during periods of high emotional stress and anxiety.
Facilitates communication among members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team to prevent fragmented or delayed care that could adversely affect patient outcomes.
Facilitates timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic testing, and procedures to expedite the plan of care, to promote continuity of care, timely referrals and transition into specialty services.
Manages and submits statistical data monthly and as requested to the Supervisor.
Participates in the tracking of metrics and patient outcomes, in collaboration with administration, to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program and report findings to leadership.
Ensures documentation of patient encounters and provided services. Documents all patient visits and communication in Athena and on Accession List.
Completes the Survivorship Plan of Care when the patient completes therapy, facilitates discussion with the patient and distribution of the Plan of Care.
Attends Oncology meetings providing input and suggestions on continuous quality and operational improvements (Weekly Tumor Board conferences, Navigation team meetings, interdisciplinary meetings, lectures and programs, and others upon request of Supervisor, including some evenings and weekends).
Develops expertise in chemotherapy protocols, related to specific areas of navigation, to support patients during chemotherapy treatment.
Participate in community outreach programs that may include some weekend and evening activities.
Assists Supervisor in meeting National Accreditation Standards through involvement with special programs, survivorship, patient education materials, identification of community resources, marketing, developing and prioritizing workflows.
Participates in Annual Quality Initiatives as outlined by the Oncology Leadership Team.
Demonstrates knowledge of clinical guidelines and specialty resources (e.g. National Comprehensive Cancer Network, ASCO recommendations) throughout the disease process.
Attends relevant continuing education programs with population specific focus.
Communicates/shares expertise in nursing practice through presentation (nationally, locally, and internally) and publication process.
Maintains accountability for effective time management. Adjusts hours of work to meet job demands.