Sickle Cell Program Coordinator
The Cancer & Hematology Centers · Grand Rapids, MI · 3 days ago
OTHRFull-time
Our Mission: At The Cancer & Hematology Centers we are dedicated to help, healing and hope for cancer patients and their families. We provide our patients with advanced treatments, innovative research and, above all else, compassionate care. Our patients receive the most comprehensive, contemporary cancer care balanced with the compassion of a dedicated nursing and support staff. Treating cancer requires a team of committed and caring health care professionals working together to understand and address your needs. In addition to caring physicians, we have a full range of support staff available to assist you and your family, such as oncology-certified nurses, social workers, experienced lab and pharmacy personnel and a psychologist. Our focus is not just on healing but also on helping and offering hope. We know that being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing event, and it takes a lot of adjustment to accept the emotional and physical realities of this disease. Our staff understands what you’re going through and can offer compassion and resources to help. To us, it’s important that healing isn't just centered on your disease site. Our cutting-edge cancer care is available close to home. Our medical staff have close ties to prominent hospitals and ongoing cancer research, and we bring those breakthrough advances to our regional centers to progress the level of care that is offered right here at home. Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and high-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve. Job Description Sickle Cell Program Coordinator Position Summary The Sickle Cell Coordinator is a registered nurse responsible for coordinating comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD). This role serves as a clinical liaison, educator, advocate, and navigator across the continuum of care to improve access, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, enhance patient outcomes, and support quality-of-life initiatives. The coordinator works collaboratively with hematologists, primary care providers, emergency departments, infusion services, social work, and community partners to ensure timely, evidence-based, and equitable care delivery. Program Coordinator Role The Sickle Cell Program Coordinator supports the planning, implementation, daily coordination, and ongoing development of the sickle cell program. This role helps ensure that clinical operations, patient navigation, education, quality improvement, grant-related activities, and community partnerships are aligned to support accessible, coordinated, and high-quality care for patients and families affected by sickle cell disease. Key Responsibilities Care Coordination & NavigationServe as the primary point of contact for patients with sickle cell disease.Coordinate outpatient, inpatient, infusion, and specialty appointments.Facilitate transitions of care (ED to home, inpatient to outpatient, pediatric to adult care).Monitor high-risk patients and proactively intervene to prevent avoidable admissions.Ensure adherence to individualized care plans and pain management protocols. Clinical Support:Conduct nursing assessments and symptom triage.Collaborate with hematology providers on disease management plans.Assist with infusion coordination (e.g., transfusions, disease-modifying therapies).Monitor patients on hydroxyurea and other SCD-related therapies.Support chronic pain management strategies within scope of practice. Patient & Family Education:Provide education on:Disease process and complicationsMedication managementPain crisis prevention and early interventionWhen to seek emergency carePromote self-management and health literacy.Support adherence to preventive care and vaccination schedules. Emergency Department Collaboration:Partner with ED teams to support standardized sickle cell protocols.Advocate for evidence-based pain management.Assist in developing individualized ED care plans. Psychosocial & Community Resource Support:Identify social determinants of health impacting care.Collaborate with social work to connect patients to transportation, financial assistance, behavioral health, and community resources.Support transition readiness for adolescent-to-adult care. Quality & Program Development:Track quality metrics (ED utilization, admissions, readmissions).Grant writing to support program and patient fundingParticipate in performance improvement initiatives.Assist in development of standardized care pathways.Contribute to program data collectionCoordinate program activities, meetings, workflows, and communication across clinical, operational, and community partners.Maintain program documentation, patient tracking tools, referral logs, and outcome reports to support program monitoring and growth.Support grant reporting, funding requests, community outreach efforts, and preparation of materials for internal and external stakeholders. Qualifications Required Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in state of practiceBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferredMinimum 3–5 years clinical nursing experienceExperience in hematology, oncology, infusion, or chronic disease managementIn person only Preferred Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) or Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)Case management or care coordination experienceExperience working with underserved or medically complex populationsGrant writing experience Core Competencies Strong clinical assessment and triage skillsCultural humility and trauma-informed care approachExcellent communication and interdisciplinary collaborationPatient advocacy and system navigation expertiseData tracking and quality improvement understandingAbility to manage high-risk, high-utilization populations Work Environment Combination of outpatient clinic, infusion center, and hospital settingsMay require occasional evening or on-call support depending on program structureHigh degree of patient interaction and care coordina