Breast Surgery Navigator Full time

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system.

About the Role

The Breast Health Navigator supports Patient Care Services (PCS) by overseeing the care of breast cancer patients in Northwestern Medicine’s West and Northwest Regions. The Navigator works collaboratively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team to establish an evidence-based continuum of care plan with the goal of optimizing clinical outcomes.

The individual in this position will be responsible for identifying care processes in need of improvement and proactively acting to resolve unfavorable outcomes. Will serve on teams in an advisory capacity regarding updates to protocols, procedures, care guidelines, and quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Care
  • Serves as primary contact for physicians and other care providers, responsible for managing patient care needs and progress, care plan development, and discharge planning.
  • Follows breast cancer patients and performs daily assessments to evaluate that appropriate care plans/protocols are in place and being followed by the multi-disciplinary team, including documentation of findings.
  • Collects and synthesizes patient data based on assessment including health and medical history, physical examination, review of diagnostic tests/procedures, and assessment of preventive health screening.
  • Develops an individualized evidence-based care plan that includes patient-identified self-management goals.
  • Ensures and supports the patient to actively participate in identified self-management care goals.
  • Navigates the breast cancer patient through the inpatient setting and ensures discharge planning matches the complexity of the disease process.
  • Participates in bedside breast cancer team rounds.
  • Performs chart audits as appropriate to determine compliance with breast cancer clinical care protocols.
• Patient and Family Education
  • Evaluates learning needs and abilities of all inpatients and adapts education to meet those needs.
  • With unit case manager, evaluates post-discharge level of family/significant other support and adapts education for these key caregivers.
  • Performs consistent assessments of patients to ensure the education plan is being carried out and works with staff nurses, pharmacists, and other multidisciplinary partners to close identified gaps.
  • Performs chart audits as appropriate to determine compliance with education required of various disciplines.
• Discharge/Transition Care Planning
  • Takes an active role in supporting preparation for discharge and follow-up.
  • Assists in discharge planning with case management, bedside RN, physician, and family or key caregiver.
  • Makes post-discharge follow-up appointments, including when the patient is being discharged over the weekend.
• Resource
  • The primary focus of this position is the inpatient care of our breast cancer population; the Navigator spends most time on the nursing units.
  • Serves in an advisory capacity on breast cancer teams upon approval of direct supervisor.
  • Supports orientation of new direct care staff in a pre-determined manner developed by patient care services clinical director leadership.
  • Serves as lecturer for continuing education offerings.
  • Conducts assessments with Professional Development and nursing staff regarding the effectiveness of breast cancer educational materials.

Requirements

• Required:
  • Minimum 2 years recent and related clinical experience.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
  • Certified BLS.
  • Licensed RN.
• Preferred:
  • Master of Science in Nursing.
  • Specialty certification in area of focus.
  • 3 or more years of recent and related clinical experience.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.