Registered Nurse (RN) - Patient Navigator

Job Summary : The Patient Navigator, Surgery is an advocate and educator for the patient, as well as family members through the Surgery / cancer continuum.

Essential Job Functions : -Treats all patients with dignity and professionalism. -Provides competent clinical care to patients during office visits.

Is considered a content expert in the specialty practice in which they are responsible. -Facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers.

• Provides education and educational resources to patients and their families. -Greets patients courteously and efficiently processes their information.
• Completes physician's orders accurately and thoroughly. -Guides assigned patients through the health care system and is a strong patient advocate.
• Supports the patient and family in coping with the psychological aspects of cancer. -Coordinates appointments with providers for timely delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic services while accommodating the patient as much as possible.
• Answers patient telephone calls. Correctly processes information for appointment scheduling, answers questions, and assists with problem solving.

This includes but is not limited to triaging emergent / urgent phone calls, inquiries related to the availability of appointments, scheduled appointment dates and times, and general practice information.

If necessary, transfers calls to an appropriate person or department to assist the patient. -Communicates with physicians in a professional manner.

• Relays messages to clinicians and follows-up as indicated. -Ensures all materials, including films, pathology reports, and laboratory reports necessary for each new patient visit are available for clinicians prior to appointments, if requested.
• Advises patients about what to do with records and forms they must bring to the visit. -Accurately and efficiently prepares all new patient records as dictated by practice standards.
• Elicits patient clinical information to allow for appropriate scheduling of referrals. -Encourages referrals and schedules new appointments as indicated based on clinical presentation, within established protocols, or as dictated by the physician.
• If next available appointment exceeds reasonable timeframe, investigates scheduling options with supervisor. -Follows-up with patient and physician as appropriate.
• Actively identifies and addresses barriers to care that might keep the patient from receiving timely and appropriate treatment.
• Connects patients with resources and social support systems. -Helps patients identify and access financial services to pay for health care needs.
• When appropriate, works with investigators and other members of the clinical research team to identify patients as potential research subjects for available clinical trials.
• Networks and cultivates relationships with hospital and community services. -Provides community education to raise public awareness.
• Participates in practice hours and any and all practice locations as needed.Required Skills & Experience : -Minimum of 3 years of nursing experience in related field (Surgery / Oncology).
• Good computer skills. -Excellent written and verbal communication skills. -Strong organizational skills. -Strong critical thinking skills.

Required Education : -Nursing Diploma or ASN Preferred Education : -BSN preferred Required Certifications & Licensure : -NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License and BLS-AHA.