Nurse Navigator (Rn), Lung Program

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.

A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.

Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

The Lung ProgramNurse Navigator functions as a clinician, case manager, and educator to achieve optimal clinical and quality outcomes for patients undergoing clinical investigation for pulmonary malignancy. The Lung ProgramNurse Navigator will track and coordinate patient care throughout the pulmonary care continuum from an abnormal lung condition throughout diagnostic work up and treatment for localized disease. The Lung ProgramNurse Navigator functions as a part of the multidisciplinary care team, serving as a liaison throughout UM UCH care system.

Completes a comprehensive assessment of individuals referred for pulmonary care services and follows the patientthrough diagnostic work-up and treatment. Promotes positive relationships by using culturally appropriate shared decision-making and consideration of the varied needs of patients, families and physicians. Serves as an essential link between patients, families, physicians and all other care providers.

Supports the patient across pulmonary, interventional pulmonology, thoracic surgery, and oncology; acting as a guide, resource, advocate, educator and liaison patients and families.

Tracks and informs patients about their plan of care to assure they attend the variety of appointments for procedures and physician consults. Assists patients and families to overcome barriers of care and refers patients to social workers, financial counselors, and other resources as appropriate.

Works across healthcare disciplines to ensure timely appointments, results reporting and communication regarding patient care and outcome.

Initiates and performs ongoing review of assessment tools, patient education material, care management guidelines, pathways and algorithms for the provision of care across the continuum from abnormal screening to diagnosis to survivorship and/or palliative care.

Educate and reinforce education with patients and families on lung disease, biopsy procedures, pathology results and next steps based on the multidisciplinary plan of care. Provides all necessary education and support material to patients/families and engages them in the understanding of cancer care and treatment protocols utilized.

Monitors patient progress and transitions across specialty practices by consulting with providers and other members of the care delivery team as needed. Refers to appropriate physician or service line as needed for complex patient care issues or concerns.

Coordinates and participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning conferences and clinic. Keeps all members of the team informed of plan of care and patients progress through the clinic.

Assists in developing, implementing and evaluating new processes of care as determined by the Lung Program providers and leadership teams including but not limited to improvements in technology, equipment, and best practice guidelines.

Maintains collaborative professional working relationship with clinical and administrative team members necessary to develop and maintain a successful cross-continuum care necessary for this patient population.

Assists with conducting and coordinating health education classes for cancer prevention and early detection in conjunction with the Department of Community Outreach.

Participates in all aspects of UM UCH KCC performance improvement activity and outcome measurement. Tracks patient outcomes and relevant data using either automated or manual systems.

Participates in related professional and/or community organizations. Assumes responsibility for ongoing professional development.

Maintains high person standards for customer satisfaction, productivity, learning, cooperation, responsiveness, communication and optimism.

Education & Training: Registered Nurse with current Maryland Board of Nursing License. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. Knowledge of nursing theory, practice and education in order to conduct patient triage, intake and assessment and participate in the case management process. Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design principles, instructional media, evaluation methods and generally accepted training and development practices. Certification in Oncology Nursing (OCN) or Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators, Foundation for Learning (AONN + FFL) highly preferred. BCLS Certification is required.

Work Orientation & Experience: Registered nurse with current Maryland license required. Three (3) years’ previous experience in oncology, pulmonary, and/or thoracic surgery care, with advanced skill and knowledge in case management required. Experience with implementing community outreach, health prevention and educational programs preferred.

Skills & Abilities: Ability to (a) monitor, assess and record patient progress against a plan of care, (b) adjust the plan of care based on assessed changes in patient status, (c) handle multiple priorities, (d) work independently and take initiative in achieving expected results. Demonstrate skills in: (e) planning, implementing and evaluating patient services (f) facilitating patient access to community resources (g) tracking and coordinating patient activities in relation to the plan of care (h) making effective decisions, (i) problem-solving, (j) crisis management (k) verbal and written patient and staff educational presentations, (l) organizing work, setting priorities, meeting deadlines, (m) attention to detail and follow through, , (n) working with physicians and multiple-specialty team members to coordinate educational events, (o) ability to work successfully with diverse types of individuals including, management staff, external organizations and the general public, and (p) is computer literate with proficiency in word processing, Excel, Access and data management skills.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.