RN Navigator - Lung Nodule Outpatient Clinic

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The RN Navigator works within the Lung Nodule Outpatient Clinic under the general supervision of the Medical Director and Associate Director of Clinical Operations, in collaboration with physicians and senior clinical nursing staff. The role coordinates care for adults referred to the clinic, assessing needs early in the referral process and connecting patients with appropriate clinical and support services, including dietitians, providers, social work, and financial services. The nurse applies the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate safe, therapeutic care. Serving as a clinical resource and leader for an assigned adult oncology outpatient population, the nurse coordinates care across the continuum and uses knowledge of cancer, treatment modalities, surgery, symptom management, supportive care, and patient education. The role works with interdisciplinary teams and follows applicable nursing standards, organizational policies, and National Patient Safety Goals.

Requirements

Five or more years of recent RN adult ambulatory-care experience.
At least three years of total RN experience.
Experience working with an adult Lung Nodule / Thoracic Surgery population within the last year.
Flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
Current California Registered Nurse licensure.
Current healthcare-provider CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of recent RN adult oncology experience.
OCN or another relevant specialty certification.

Responsibilities

Integrate nursing theory, research, and knowledge of cancer to assess and manage appropriate care for the assigned patient population.
Maintain knowledge of advances in cancer treatment, including treatment regimens, combination therapies, radiation protocols, surgical advances, and pre- and postoperative care.
Use computer technology for data collection, documentation, communication, and research while maintaining confidentiality.
Participate in research protocols as required by the department.
Address patients’ and families’ physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs using advanced nursing skills.
Provide nursing care according to Medical Center and Ambulatory Services policies and procedures, revising priorities according to acuity, visit volume, resource availability, and patient and family preferences.
Coordinate new-patient intake by telephone, triage patients according to practice guidelines, and obtain necessary information before appointments.
Coordinate ongoing care for established patients through nursing assessments, care-plan management, disease and symptom-management interventions, and communication with third-party payers regarding proposed treatment plans.
Facilitate communication among providers and care-team members, including surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, primary care, social work, and genetics; attend tumor board and department staff meetings.
Act as a referral liaison with oncology staff to coordinate care among healthcare providers and community agencies.
Prevent treatment delays by monitoring gaps in care, explaining necessary or expected gaps to patients, and identifying and addressing care problems.
Work with Cancer Registry staff and others to collect data, track outcomes, and support strategic planning.
Identify and recommend patient resources, including local support groups, classes, and other services, and help patients and families access them.
Develop more efficient procedures and policies to improve patient-care flow, access to services, and patient education, including symptom-management and treatment resources.
Contribute to collection of patient and family medical-history, psychosocial, cultural, nutritional, and physical-status information.
Assist the healthcare team in formulating and implementing patient care plans.
Articulate departmental goals and philosophy; comply with JCAHO/Title 22 activities and established clinical and administrative policies and procedures.
Protect patient rights and confidentiality, participate in patient-care or ethics conferences as appropriate, and support cost-containment efforts.
Attend and participate in at least 75% of staff meetings; review department communications and incorporate information into practice.
Promote and participate in research activities to enhance patient care.
Participate in training new staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.