Oncology Nurse Navigator - MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown

Job Description Summary

The Oncology Nurse Navigator for MUSC Midlands Division is a professional registered nurse with proficient oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers. Utilizing the nursing process, an Oncology Nurse Navigator promotes informed decision making and timely access to quality patient care while providing a vital link in communication between multidisciplinary providers both internal and external to MUSC during initial treatment planning.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC003744 COL - Total Quality Management (DMC)

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

Health-28

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary/Purpose:           

The Oncology Nurse Navigator for MUSC Midlands Division is a professional registered nurse with proficient oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers. Utilizing the nursing process, an Oncology Nurse Navigator promotes informed decision making and timely access to quality patient care while providing a vital link in communication between multidisciplinary providers both internal and external to MUSC during initial treatment planning.

Requirements (Education, Work Experience, Licensure, Registry and/or Certifications)    

Minimum qualifications include a BSN from an accredited school of nursing and three years of direct oncology nursing experience. In addition, the applicant must have considerable knowledge of complex medical terminology and advanced disease processes, strong interpersonal skills, ability to delegate to appropriate personnel, ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships both internally and externally, strong organizational skills, ability to rapidly prioritize/reprioritize, strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work autonomously and in teams, critical-thinking skills, and ability to multi-task. RN Licensure by the state of SC. Requires BLS. Requires ACLS in specific areas.

Physical Requirements

: 1) (C) Continuous – 6-8 hours per shift; 2) (F) Frequent – 2-6 hours per shift; 3) (I) Infrequent – 0-2 hours per shift Ability to perform job functions while standing. (C). Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (C) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (I) Ability to work indoors. (C) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (I) Ability to work from elevated areas. (F) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (F) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (I) Ability to bend at the waist. (C) Ability to twist at the waist. (F) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (F) Ability to perform “pinching” operations. (F) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (C) Ability to reach overhead. (F) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (C) Ability to fully use both legs. (C) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (F) Ability to reach in all directions. (C) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (I) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (I) Ability to lift from 36” to overhead 25 lbs. (I) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (F) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain vision 20/40 corrected. (C) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (C) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (C) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (C) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (C) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (C) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (C) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (C) Ability to work rotating shifts. (F) Ability to work overtime as required. (F) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (C) *Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (C) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (C) (Selected Positions)*

 Job Competencies

The Job Competencies section is not included in the overall score. However, if the care team member receives a rating of “Does Not Meet Requirements” in this section, he/she will not be eligible for a performance increase for the year.

Maintain timely completion of job competencies including but not limited to organizational mandatory competencies, job/population specific competencies and participation in mandatory town hall meetings.

Job Responsibilities

1.1 Clinical Practice (Assessment)                                                                                            30.0% of total score

Success Criteria

Utilizes critical thinking skills to assess the appropriateness of referrals to Hollings Cancer Center’s Oncology program by thoroughly obtaining history and diagnosis. If necessary, redirects or refers patient to local resources and/or other specialties within the MUSC system.

Collaborates with patient care coordinator to comprehensively review referrals for completeness and inclusion of all pertinent records related to the patient’s diagnosis and any prior treatment.

Using clinical expertise performs holistic assessment of patient’s individual needs in order to identify possible barriers to optimal treatment outcomes. This includes (but is not limited to) social support, financial status, learning methods, transportation, literacy, and other relevant physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs.

Utilizes standardized assessment tools (i.e., ECOG performance status) to promote appropriate and consistent patient care

1.2 Clinical Practice (Planning)                                                                                                  30.0% of total score

Success Criteria

Utilizing in-depth knowledge of the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, evaluation and treatment of relevant tumor types within assigned specialty, oversees efficient and comprehensive acquisition of appropriate records during new patient intake.

Acts as a central point of contact for patients, caregivers, and providers throughout the planning phase of treatment.

Coordinates appropriate and timely scheduling of multidisciplinary referrals during the planning phase of treatment.

Develops and/or acquires oncology-related educational materials for patients, caregivers, staff, and community members as appropriate.

With proficient understanding of treatment modalities and rationale for sequence of treatment, helps identify/eliminate barriers to timely and appropriate treatment completion.

Serves as a patient liaison to help patients and caregivers navigate the complex healthcare system.

Utilizes professional judgment to appropriately delegate tasks to Administrative Assistant or other staff members as needed.

Serves as a clinical resource for referring providers utilizing expertise in specialty-focused oncology care.

1.3 Clinical Practice (Intervention)                                                                                          25.0% of total score

Success Criteria

Participate in activities that support the specialty (i.e., contribute content to Oncology Service Line website, CME’s for tumor board, etc.).

Establishes contact with new patients by phone or during their initial clinic visit to provide individualized education and reinforce treatment plan.

Provides and reinforces individualized education for patients and caregivers regarding new diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, symptom management, post treatment care and survivorship.

Promotes autonomous decision making by patients throughout the provision of individualized education and support based on evidence based clinical guidelines (e.g. NCCN, NCI)

Attends relevant multidisciplinary Oncology Tumor Board Conference. Facilitates tumor board recommendations and assists with communicating tumor board recommendations to relevant providers/staff as needed. Documents tumor board recommendations in accordance with Commission on Cancer requirements.

Collaborates with patient care coordinators to maintain a patient navigation intake database including referring providers.

Serves as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers and providers to optimize patient outcomes.

Facilitates communication among members of the multidisciplinary cancer care team to prevent fragmented or delayed care that could adversely affect patient outcomes.

Collaborates with CTO staff to identify potential candidates for clinical trials.

Coordinates and manages care by applying analytical reasoning, reflection, rational problem-solving skills, using evidence-based information and clinical judgment.

Safely performs technical skills in area of practice. Maintains knowledge of hospital policies and nursing standards in areas of specialty.

Provides support as clinical resource to other staff members.

 1.4 Clinical Practice (Evaluation)                                                                                              5.0% of total score

Success Criteria

As a shared responsibility, participates in the establishment and monitoring of clinical quality indicators along the continuum of care for Oncology cancer patients.

Participates in initiatives designed to improve those indicators that fall below benchmark.

Collaborates with the cancer committee and administration to perform and evaluate data to identify areas of improvement that will affect the patient navigation program. Participate in quality improvement initiatives based on identified service gaps.

1.5 Leadership and Professional Development                                                                  5.0% of total score

Success Criteria

Fulfills preceptor role (as needed) in accordance with MUSC preceptor philosophy and role description.

Uses formal and informal methods to teach other staff members.

Promotes lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, by self and others, to improve the care of patients with a past, current, or potential diagnosis of cancer.

Provides input to nursing management and other health care providers to implement programmatic changes.

Communicates effectively with multidisciplinary team members, patients and caregivers.

As a shared responsibility, serves as an expert resource for internal and external contacts in South Carolina.

Participates in community outreach activities in order to educate the public about prevention and early detection of Oncology cancer.

Demonstrates commitment to promoting an atmosphere of respect, caring and sensitivity for our diverse population of patients, visitors, students, employees and others.

Demonstrates commitment to the highest standards of clinical outcomes, operational support systems, customer services, and ethical behavior.

Develops own professional role in collaboration with immediate manager. Participates in local, state, and national professional organizations (i.e., Oncology Nursing Society, Society of Otolaryngology-Oncology Nurses, Oncology Cancer Alliance, South Carolina Cancer Alliance). Updates clinical practice based upon current research and changes in the health care environment.

Provides assistance in a timely, courteous manner. Treats others with care and respect, maintaining privacy, confidentiality, and dignity. Maintains professional appearance and a clean safe environment.

Critically evaluates and develops recommendations for new and/or revised standards of nursing care and practice in response to patient or clinic needs.

Effectively manages conflict by addressing the issue with diplomacy and assertiveness. Collaborates with others to explore and implement acceptable solutions.

Demonstrates fiscal accountability for one’s own practice while providing quality care.

1.6 Research and Evaluation                                                                                                       5.0% of total score

Success Criteria

Reviews current nursing literature and research in area of specialty as a basis for improving practice.

Participates in PI activities/clinical research as the opportunity arises.

Additional Job Description

Associate's degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing and a minimum of three years related clinical nursing experience required.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills as well as mentoring/coaching and organizational skills required. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate effective patient and staff educational programs. Creative and resourceful in problem solving and exceptional critical thinking required.

Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing or a compact state. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) required, either a certification from an American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers (or AHA recognized equivalent) or an American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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