Oncology RN Nurse Navigator-Head and Neck

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The primary responsibilities of this position are to decrease barriers whether internal or external, financial, psychosocial or clinical in order to assist the head and neck cancer patient in rapid access to the appropriate clinical services necessary to diagnose, treat or manage their specific oncologic issues. In addition the Oncology Nurse Navigator provides care as needed for patients and their families utilizing resources efficiently and effectively.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews patient medical information, obtains any missing records, imaging or outside pathology slides and prioritizes care according to patient acuity.
  

• Proactive assesses need for financial counseling or psychosocial services and refers patient appropriately to needed network or community resources. Completes distress screening tool as appropriate and facilitate process to meet any identified needs.

• Appropriately refers/assists with coordination of timely appointments for consultations, physician referrals, and network or community resources as indicated to meet patient needs and plan of care.

• Proactively assesses for and removes/limits any barriers to patient care across the continuum (internal or external barriers) Responds proactively to patient needs and reductions of barriers to care. (including hand offs between specialties, facilities effective communication between providers)

• Facilitates the Head and Neck multidisciplinary team working group by communicating appropriate treatment information and current patient summaries.

• Is a resource for general oncology education of the head and neck cancer patient and caregivers on available resources, diagnostic testing, diagnosis, and surgeries/procedures as appropriate and what to expect during their care continuum through the St. Luke's Oncology service line.

• Serves as a consistent contact for patient/family throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment. Empowers patient/family to participate in the plan of care, documents compliance and concerns, monitors patient progress, consults with physicians and other members of the health care team at agreed upon intervals. Proactively communicates with patients on an ongoing basis.

• Actively collaborates with Oncology Dietician regarding patient potential and actual nutritional needs. Provides patient/caregivers on care of PEG tubes as applicable to individual patient needs.

• Collaborates with the Head and Neck multidisciplinary team regarding Survivorship plan and assists in the documentation of the patient's treatment summary/plan of care as appropriate for individual patient (per disease stage).

• Participates in the identification of patients that may be eligible for Clinical Trials and provides patients with general information regarding clinical trials participation. Collaborates with Clinical trials staff as appropriate to individual patient treatment plan.

• Participates in quality and process improvement activities related to navigator functions within the Head and Neck cancer service line.

• Interacts with administration, manages and facilitates program improvement, keeps team up to date with program and monitors progress in achieving desired outcomes.

• Manages the cross continuum care of multidisciplinary patients to provide high quality of care in an effective and efficient manner with close attention to service excellence

• Identifies patient and/or provider needs and ensures delivery of quality services to patients.

• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.

• Demonstrates/models the Network's Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external).

• Provides monthly metrics related to productivity and outcomes.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Sit up to 7 hours per day; 3 hours at a time. Stand for up to 3 hours per day; 2 hours at a time. Walk 1 hour per day; 10 minutes at a time. Frequently lifting, carrying and pushing objects up to 10 pounds. Rarely lifting, carrying and pushing objects up to 75 pounds. Frequently stooping and bending. Must be able to hear as it relates to normal conversation, high and low frequencies. Must be able to see as it relates to general near, far, color and peripheral vision. Must be able to speak as it relates to normal conversation and projection as it relates to lectures and presentations. Long periods of computer use.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree required, OCN certification preferred

Registered Professional Nurse with current license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of three years Oncology experience required.

Prefer experience collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

Prior Oncology Navigation experience preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Day primarily with varying hours based on the needs of the department. May require occasional evening hours as assigned to meet the needs of the Head and Neck Oncology service line.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.