Oncology and/or infusion experience preferred, but will train

The infusion nurse navigator is a registered nurse who coordinates quality care for the hematology/oncology patients undergoing treatment with the physician and patient. Facilitates education, treatment, symptom management, navigation of needs and support throughout the course of the illness on a group of patients (primary patients).

Major Responsibilities:

Patient Care Navigation:

• Collaborates with the physician in the assessment, planning, and implementation of patient care for cancer patients in the outpatient setting.
• Conducts patient assessment for learning needs, anxiety level, support systems, coping mechanisms, or social issues o Identifies physical and social barriers to care
• Collaborates with resources for resolution
• Coordinates the care of a group of patients including transition from outpatient to inpatient or inpatient to outpatient; home care/supportive care as needed; scheduling/coordinating scans/tests/labs.
• Facilitates communication among patients, providers, and agencies.
• Initiates survivorship plans as appropriate and coordinates with physician
• Assists patient/family navigate the complex issues/decisions as well as work with the multidisciplinary team through orchestrating many tasks that are required prior to and during therapy (central line placements, special testing, obtaining oral chemotherapy from specialty pharmacies, insurance company approval, etc.).
• Prepares the patient and family for what to expect through each phase of care.

Direct Patient Care:

• Implements orders on oncology care plan, standard order sets, and given orders (including prescription renewals)
• Evaluates patient's response to illness and health risks with cancer and treatment, conducts focused physical exams and collaborates with physician about findings.
• Evaluates patient's response to the medical and nursing care
• Reports adverse events to the physician, evaluates patient response to interventions and changes plans as needed; collaborates with the physician on complex issues
• Collaborates with the physician on the implementation of the oncology care plan
• Plans, schedules, and implements nursing care including education, administration of chemotherapy (IV, IM, subcutaneous, oral, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intralesional, etc.), immunotherapy, and supportive care, central catheter care, etc.
• Triages phone calls on primary patients
• Demonstrates and maintains competency, advanced knowledge and high skill level of care for oncology/hematology patients throughout continuum of care.
• Completes documentation of care provided.
• Maintains patient records and completes patient care forms (FMLA, drug renewals, short term disability, etc.).

Professional responsibilities in infusion center:

• Participates in committee/taskforce work
• Participates in standing meetings and is responsible for the information at these meetings
• Participates in the orientation and education of staff
• Participates in identification of variances in care delivery and collaborates with the team to facilitate continuous quality improvement activities
• Participates in charge responsibilities for infusion area

Licensure:

• Nurse, Registered (RN)

Education/Experience Required:

• BSN Two to four years' experience as a Registered Nurse
• Knowledge of pain control and management treatment modalities
• Understanding of growth and development needs of the age group with which the associates interact

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Ability to function independently using critical thinking skills
• Good communication skills Intravenous skill (IVP-IVBP cont. infusion).
• Experience in the functioning and diversity of central venous access devices.
• Demonstrate ability to handle and dispose of chemotherapeutic and immunologic agents.
• Current Illinois license as a Registered Nurse.
• Certification as Oncology Nurse or obtain within 2 years of hire.
• CPR certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Assist/support/move ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients
• Administer CPR and utilize Automatic External Defibrillator
• Push wheelchairs provide assistance to ambulatory patients and assist patients with dressing/undressing.
• Ability to lift 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly
• There may be a need to travel to another site as required
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.