Nurse Navigator

Job Summary

The Nurse Navigator is responsible for the operational functions of a specific navigation program. Using clinical, administrative, research and educational standards, the Nurse Navigator facilitates the coordination of care for patients through the continuum based on their diagnosis or procedure which may include but is not limited to ensuring follow up with physician offices, scheduling of necessary diagnostic procedures providing education and emotional support throughout the path of care or designated timeframe. All responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, vision, strategic imperatives and standards of the Lexington County Health District, American Nurses Association standards and in accordance with the provisions set forth by the SC Nurse Practice Act.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Minimum Years of Experience: 2 Years in Area of Interest.
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): In lieu of a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), will consider those with Diploma or Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) with an additional 2 years of experience in Area of Interest
Required Certifications/Licensure: Current RN license to practice in the state of S.C.; Certification in CPR.
Required Training: None.

Essential Functions

• Works in a cooperative manner, which fosters relations between employees and patients, patients’ families, visitors, fellow employees, and the medical staff.
• Accepts the chain of command, supervision, and constructive criticism.
• Exhibits commitment and pride through personal example by positively speaking about LMC, the department, employees and guests.
• Contributes to teamwork and creates harmonious, effective and positive working relationships with others.
• Respects, understands, and responds with sensitivity to employees and guests by treating others as one would wish to be treated.
• Resolves conflicts and problems-solves by remaining calm when confronted, attempting to identify solutions or referring person to appropriate authority and attempting to deliver more than is expected.
• Exhibits telephone courtesy by:
  • a. Answering promptly with name and department.
  • b. Speaking with pleasant tone while focusing on caller.
  • c. Transferring calls correctly and promptly.
  • d. Attending to calls on hold in a timely manner
• Maintains confidentiality by:
  • a. Discouraging gossip.
  • b. Using discretion when discussing patient, work, or LMC-related information with others.
• Utilizes the service recovery process to resolve complaints (GIFT).
• Coordinates, monitors and role models the delivery of care to specified patients in the outpatient setting by incorporating process improvement initiatives to achieve desired outcomes for patients and their significant others.
• Receives and triages new referrals to the program.
• Coordinates the scheduling of outpatient appointments to ensure and smooth and timely flow of care.
• As indicated by referring physician, performs preliminary telephone assessment of patient to include pertinent history and current chief complaints. Assesses demographic and health status data for potential referrals to Social Services, Nutrition Services, support groups, etc.
• Acts as a patient advocate
• Assesses patient’s understanding of their diagnosis and therapeutic options and intervenes or makes referrals as necessary.
• Assesses patient satisfaction with program framework, processes, and outcomes.
• Provides assistance to patients by means of ongoing patient education to facilitate optimal understanding of health regimens.
• Serves as a facilitator for support groups when needed and provides educational offerings.
• Meets the area and age-specific requirements, appropriate to the designated adult patient population.
• Contributes to LMC’s arena of excellence by demonstrating behaviors conducive to growth and development within the practice of nursing.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and respects patient privacy and Patient’s Bill of Rights.
• Demonstrates knowledge of organizational initiatives and assists in attainment of goals as appropriate.
• In pursuit of excellence and service, demonstrates desire and effort to be a role model as evidenced by the following:
  • a. Identifies self-development opportunities.
  • b. Earns at least 25 hours of continuing education annually.
  • c. Demonstrates and maintains competence in clinical area.
  • d. Establishes measurable goals.
  • e. Serves as community ambassador and educational speaker on relevant health issues and topics when needed.
• Evaluates, selects, utilizes, and accounts for material resources with appropriate consideration for patient needs, hospital policies and procedures and budgetary constraints in collaboration with department leader.
• Evaluates potential outcomes relative to resource utilization in collaboration with department leader.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Identifies and evaluates product needs in collaboration with department leader.
• Collaborates with physicians and ancillary services regarding coordination of care to facilitate cost effectiveness.
• Provides input into selection of equipment and materials. Utilizes equipment and resources efficiently.
• Participates in the identification of appropriate educational programs for patients and staff development and collaborates with appropriate departments to meet these needs.
• Effectively uses electronic, verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in a clear and concise manner to ensure appropriate understanding and response.
• Serves as a liaison for providers within the program framework.
• Communicates effectively with other health care team members.
• Demonstrates timely communication of unexpected patient events/issues to appropriate persons.
• Keeps physicians and other health care team members informed of program activities.
• Maintains required records, database, and reports.
• Participates in regular patient care conferences with patient care team to plan multidisciplinary treatment.
• Teaches patient and family in an understandable manner, information needed for the patient to be able to manage self-care or family-supported care.
• Communicates with peers to share knowledge and skills.
• Communicates using the chain of command when mutual understanding and/or consensus on patient care or operational issues are not achieved.
• Performance Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve patient care, health care practice, and interaction with healthcare partners; and initiates and/or participates in development of action plans to achieve desired outcomes in collaboration with department leader.
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities within the organization and department.
• Participates in interdisciplinary monitoring and evaluation of patient care.
• Serves as a task force member when needed to improve processes.
• Assesses provider satisfaction with program framework, processes, and outcomes.
• Demonstrates responsibility for achievement of identified patient outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities for system improvement that enhance the delivery of patient centered care.
• Demonstrates competence to provide care for the designated patient population.
• Meets all requirements as defined by LMC policies.
• Completes yearly safety training and other mandatory classes.
• Completes employee health workup.
• Meets department attendance requirements.
• Maintains current  RN licensure.
• Ensure Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals are discarded, stored, and managed with other compatible waste streams in containers that are properly labeled and closed prior to being shipped offsite for proper disposal.  Initial RCRA training is received within 6 months of the hire date and continuing with annual RCRA training.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.