Rn Patient Navigator

ENERAL SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Service Line or specialty program leader (Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, Cancer, GI, Orthopedic, Geriatric), the Patient Navigator serves as the primary point of contact for the patient through the continuum of care; diagnosis, planning, treatment, pre and post-operative care, discharge and follow up. The Patient Navigator functions as a resource to patients, seeking patient input into the plan of care. The Patient Navigator engages and collaborates with all appropriate care givers (physicians and the entire care team) in the plan of care, while serving as the advocate for the patient. The Patient Navigator provides patient and family education, and access to hospital and community resources as well as community education and screening.

REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS:

As a primary advocate for the patient after initial diagnosis, ensures that the patient and family understand the diagnoses, treatment strategy and recommended plan of care and resources available until the patient has sufficient knowledge and resources to self-direct care. Empowers patient/family to communicate concerns, preferences and priorities to their healthcare team.
Facilitates the entry of patients into the program and coordinates their care. Follows the patient throughout the continuum of care services, including guiding the patient and care team through the transitions of care.
Working in conjunction with the patient’s physician(s) and care team, establishes a coordinated plan of care with goals, interventions and treatment plans based on the patient’s needs, preferences, beliefs and values. Coordinates resources based on patient needs, insurance coverage and community programs. May identify gaps in care or services, problems with procedures or policies, and intervenes to improve them in collaboration with the care team.
Assesses the educational needs of the patient and caregivers. Effectively translates and communicates clinical information to the patient. Provides clinical education about diagnosis, treatment, side effects and post-treatment care. Provides necessary education and information on available options, facilitates the informed shared decision making process and realistic goal setting in order to empower the patient /caregiver to actively participate in their plan of care.

Coordinates the patient’s care and serves as an essential liaison between the care team,
communicating with the multidisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, etc.) as needed on behalf of the patient. Facilitates patient appointments, communication with the physicians, and support services (Social Work, PT, etc.). Identifies and addresses the clinical and service delivery barriers to care. Coordinates multidisciplinary care conferences, as needed.

Provides community education and outreach including hosting speaking events, community screening and marketing initiatives. Establishes on-going community needs assessment to address health care disparities and barriers to care for patients.
Participates in quality improvement initiatives, collects data regarding performance measures, understands and utilizes the Performance Improvement process, and makes recommendations for process improvement initiatives.
Assumes responsibility for own professional growth by attending continuing education classes, seminars and reading professional journals.
Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies and procedures.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills necessary to effectively work with patients, hospital staff and physicians. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity.

2. The written and verbal communication skills necessary to conduct in-service education sessions, community education programs, develop policies, procedures and educational material.

3. The organizational skills necessary to work independently with minimal direction.

4. Computer skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities.

5. The ability to perform and/or monitor multiple simultaneous projects.

KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE/REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

1. Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing or completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program required.

2. Current Illinois licensure to practice nursing or current Illinois Physician Assistant license required.

3. Three (3) years nursing or Physician Assistant experience in assigned specialty field.

What you will need:Benefits: