Patient Navigator

Patient Navigator

Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Director The Comprehensive Cancer Center and in cooperation with the Medical Director is responsible for coordinating patient care activities for select at risk individuals with clinically significant cancers. 'Patient navigation' in cancer care refers to the assistance offered to healthcare consumers (patients survivors families and caregivers) to help them access and then chart a course through the healthcare system and overcome any barriers to quality care. The patient navigator is a registered nurse who functions as the guide who will assist patients and their families move through the complexities of the healthcare system.

Responsibilities:

Assumes key role in assuring care on a continuum coordinating patient care activities for individuals with clinically significant cancers by referring patients to other health professionals and support services as appropriate (genetic counselor nutritionist psychiatrist social workers and the like). Ensures team is kept appraised of patients condition.

Participates in developing policies procedures and standards of patient care in conjunction with clinic Director and Medical Director. Participates in developing specific patient care protocols.

Provides for appropriate patient and family education and counseling regarding disease and treatment potential complications signs and symptoms requiring immediate attention.

Documents patients progress compliance and other essential information in the medical record. Ensures patients primary care and sub-specialty providers are provided timely information on patients progress and additional needs.

Participates in ongoing quality assurance activities by collecting and analyzing statistical data and auditing patient records. May assist in preparing grant proposals writing program reports and the like.

Collects and reports information to ensure compliance with grant expectations and reporting requirements if appropriate.

Participates in ongoing education and networking regarding navigation of patients with complex cancers.

Performs other related duties of professional nurse.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Bachelors degree in related discipline (preferred).

Must have current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island.

Professional and analytical skills in evaluating patients in order to plan and provide patient care and monitor the care management process and treatment plan for each patient.

Ability to communicate effectively (public speaking skills) with diverse audiences including professional staff patients community media and other service agencies.

Interpersonal skills to allay anxiety elicit cooperation and provide for education of patients/families and to effectively function as a member of the healthcare team to coordinate and discuss patient care activities.

Advanced skill in assessment of physical and psychosocial health-illness status of individuals history taking and physical assessment.

Possession of nursing oncology certification preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Two to three years oncology nursing experience in inpatient ambulatory or community nursing required with case management experience preferred

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Rhode Island Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Part Time

Shift: Shift 1

Union: UNAP