Nurse Navigator

Are you looking for a career and not just a job in the Medical field?  Virginia Cancer Specialists, an affiliate of McKesson Specialty Health and US Oncology, a leader in Cancer care, is seeking a Full Time Nurse Navigator for our Reston & Loudoun offices.

Under general supervision, provides professional nursing care for patients adhering to national and company standards and guidelines for specialty regulations. Must recognize physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of care and participates in company-wide quality initiatives. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) is responsible for providing individual assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to overcome health care system barriers and provide timely access to quality healthcare within a community oncology setting. Utilizing the nursing process, the Oncology Nurse Navigator provides patient education and access to relevant internal and external resources. Primary objectives are to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to high quality health and psychosocial care through all phases of the cancer continuum. Routine collaboration with internal departments and external referral resources are anticipated, including scheduling, financial counseling, lab, pharmacy, social work, nursing, surgical, radiation and imaging, dietary, and others. Regular and frequent interface with practice-based leadership teams, physicians, and clinical staff is required to promote and engage the patient navigation process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Demonstrates knowledge of age specific differences in the patient population including physiological and developmental differences unique to each group.
-Assess and monitors therapy of patients using appropriate technical skills under the direction and supervision of a physician.
-Assists physician with exams and procedures.
-Maintains efficient and appropriate patient flow.
-Demonstrates knowledge of reimbursement procedures and charge capture.
-Performs venipuncture, accesses implanted ports and maintains central venous access devices and alternate delivering systems.
-Documents all elements of care.
-Communicates all pertinent information and any interventions to the physician or mid level provider.
-Serves as a resource person to the medical assistants and LPNs.
-Triages patient/family phone calls as needed and documents relevant information in the patient's chart.
-Assesses patient/family needs and provides teaching.
-Demonstrates awareness of community resources available to patients and assists with referrals if necessary.
-Provides nursing coverage for the satellite offices as needed.
-Follows OSHA guidelines when handling cytotoxic agents, biohazardous waste and any other material potentially infected with a blood borne pathogen.
-Maintains current knowledge of oncology nursing by participating in ongoing educational opportunities.
-Participates in professional development activities and maintain professional affiliations.

-Maintains patient confidentiality.
-Serves as mentor/preceptor and provides day to day guidance to less experienced nurses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurse (BSN), Oncology Certification (OCN) preferred, Nurse Navigator Certification a plus. 5 (five) years’ work experience as a Registered Nurse in an oncology practice or clinic. Experience and knowledge of the purpose and use of medications in the treatment of cancer is preferred. Current RN state license with the State Board of Nursing in practicing state. Current CPR certification required. Critical Skills - Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal and collaboration skills. Ability to apply the full nursing process in day-to-day clinical operations, including assessment, analysis and nursing diagnosis, care planning, implementation and outcomes evaluation. Ability to assess health disparities, identify needs of populations and cultures found within the general facility service area, describe a patient navigation process to address those needs, and document outcomes. Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize quickly. Strong organizational and critical thinking skills. Ability to apply and/or oversee care coordination in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Additional Knowledge/Skills - Working computer and internet skills, including an electronic EMR system. Basic knowledge of local community resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Required to lift and assist patients as requested.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medical preparations and other conditions common to an oncology/hematology clinic environment.

Join us at Virginia Cancer Specialists, where meeting and exceeding the needs of our patients is our primary goal!
The US Oncology Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.