Oncology Nurse Navigator

About the role

As an expert clinician, is responsible for the coordination of all services/systems to ensure an organized, multidisciplinary approach to the delivery of care to all adult Hematology/Oncology patients. Provides expert care incorporating principles and theories of nursing and related fields to achieve identified patient outcomes. Assists the Director/Manager in working with the staff to ensure that the plan is carried out appropriately and consistently. Acts as a liaison to physicians and other internal / external departments or providers to achieve the goals of the department/program/ institution.

Responsibilities

• Assures the delivery of comprehensive cancer services through the coordination of and direct or indirect provision of expert patient care for the adult hematology/ oncology population.
• Coordinates and monitors all phases of cancer services including: prevention/screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, death and dying for patients and caregivers.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, physicians and the hospital in transitioning the patient throughout the health care system including inpatient and outpatient environments.
• Collaborates with financial counselors and social services to assure completion of financial assessments.
• Collaborates with Managers, and agencies regarding outlined plan of care; assists with referrals, problem solving or overcoming obstacles to enable patients to achieve optimal level of functioning.
• Routinely monitors service schedules.
• Adjusts appropriately to maximize effective, efficient patient flow through intradepartmental lab, clinic or infusion center.
• Attends inpatient /discharge rounds, tumor boards, etc., as appropriate to obtain necessary information for communication with other departments/agencies regarding patient status and health care needs.
• Coordinates long- term follow up of patients with their local/referring physicians.
• Maintains a retrievable patient list that includes key information such as, but not limited to name, DOB, patient status, treatment plan status.
• Maintains written/verbal communication with referring institutions and physicians.
• Assist with completion of health care related paperwork (i.e. Leave of absence, FMLA, return to work/school, etc.).
• Applies nursing process to each