Cancer RN Coord Navigator

About this role

Requirements

• The Cancer Nurse Coordinator/Navigator is responsible for providing guidance, support, and education to patients and their families (in area(s) of specified disease specialty) through the diagnostic, treatment and follow-up portions of their care. The nurse collaborates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patients' care. This position serves as a resource to all clinical disciplines relative to the assigned area(s) of disease specialty
• CANCER PATIENT CARE: Provides quality care to assigned cancer patients and their families by providing guidance and education through the diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases of the care continuum. Follows established patient care policies including, but not limited to, pain management, abuse recognition and advance directives. Completes nursing assessments and care practices and pain management according to policy. Attends and participates in new patient consultations as identified by the MD or referrals. Meets with each new patient starting treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation). Conducts telephone triage for patients regarding questions related to treatment plans, symptom management, home care nurse calls, medication use etc. Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients and family wile providing care. Provides in-depth education to patient and family regarding the treatment regimes and potential side effects. Educates the patient and family about patient's specific cancer (staging, disease extent, etc.) and treatment plan. Acts as a patient advocate and upholds patient rights by assuring all patients are treated with respect, compassion, reverence, and dignity. Makes referrals to the patient advocate as needed.
• CANCER PATIENT COORDINATION: Coordinates required radiological and lab studies on patients, retrieval and organization of that information, and notifying the appropriate physician of problems. Coordinates appointments for new patients and follows-up on patients needing to be seen by a specific physician after the completion of treatment. Notifies radiation oncology when chemotherapy is completed or notifies the surgeon when radiation is completed. Recognizes and integrates patient special needs and individualizes care including pain management and supportive care issues. Works collaboratively with the Cancer Institute research team to identify potential patients for trials. Coordinates multidisciplinary conferences as scheduled (weekly, bi weekly or monthly), reviews available patient educational materials for assigned cancer site(s) on an annual basis.
• DISCHARGE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION: Integrates primary and secondary diagnosis into the educational plan, assesses learning needs, potential barriers and incorporates emotional and psychosocial support to the patient/family. Individualizes educational plan based on age, cultural and spiritual values. Communicates proactively to the health care team plan of care, changes in patient condition, the patient progress, the discharge plan and other relevant information. Participates in and documents discharge planning. Documents assessment/reassessment of teaching and referrals as per policy.
• PATIENT CARE COLLABORATION: Collaborates with the Cancer Institute leadership and assigned physicians to continually monitor the level of professional practice related to cancer care and initiates actions or programs to assure comprehensive patient care, team work and professionalism. Keeps Cancer Institute leadership and assigned
• Work Experience
• 2 year / Associate's Degree: Nursing (Required)

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