Registered Nurse Patient Navigator

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse Patient Navigator serves as the primary clinical point of contact for patients across the cancer center continuum. The RN Patient Navigator is responsible for coordinating diagnostic workups, facilitating timely treatment initiation, providing education, managing symptoms, and addressing barriers to care. This role enhances patient experience, reduces delays, and improves provider throughput.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Care Coordination

     a. Facilitate timely scheduling of imaging, labs, biopsies, pathology reviews, and specialist referrals.

     b. Track pending diagnostic results and follow up on missing documents.

     c. Coordinate multidisciplinary care among medical oncology, infusion, surgery, radiation, social work, palliative care, and          

     supportive services.

d. Monitor time-to-diagnosis and time-to-treatment metrics.

2. Patient Education and Preparation

     a. Provide pre-consult education on diagnosis, expectations, and clinic flow.

     b. Deliver chemotherapy/immunotherapy teaching and reinforce treatment plans.

     c. Review side effect management strategies and emergency precautions. 

     d. Educate on oral oncolytics and ensure adherence coaching.

3. Patient Triage & Symptom Management

     a. Perform RN-level triage for symptoms (fever, pain, nausea, constipation, cytopenias, respiratory symptoms).

     b. Manage common treatment toxicities under nurse protocols; escalate when appropriate.

     c. Coordinate same-day acute provider visits, labs, or infusion support.

4. Psychosocial & Resource Navigation

     a. Conduct distress screenings (e.g., NCCN).

     b. Assess for financial, transportation, language, or social barriers to care.

     c. Make referrals to social work, financial counselors, nutrition, pastoral care, and community programs.

5. Care Continuum & Follow-Up

     a. Ensure patients complete recommended surveillance scans, labs, and follow-up visits.

     b. Coordinates survivorship education and transition visits.

     c. Track oral oncolytic refill cycles and adherence.

6. Documentation & Communication

     a. Document all navigation encounters in the EMR.

     b. Provide timely communication and handoffs to physicians, APPs, infusion nurses, and schedulers.

     c. Maintain an organized communication log for all patients under navigation.

7. Quality Improvement

     a. Participate in clinic initiatives to reduce delays in care.

     b. Track navigation metrics such as missed appointments, ED visits, treatment delays, and patient satisfaction.

     c. Contribute to workflow improvements that enhance provider efficiency and patient flow.

Competencies

1. Basic computer knowledge.

2. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

3. Must be IV certified and willing to perform related tasks.

4. Strong communication and patient education skills.

5. Ability to multitask in a face-paced clinic environment.

6. Ability to interact with all customers (co-workers, patients, families, physicians, vendors, etc.) of NRMC with hospitality and the highest standards of customer service, exhibiting professionalism and a spirit of teamwork. Each associate should have an understanding that he or she represents NRMC and should act accordingly and in a manner that demonstrates respect and pride for this organization.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited RN program.
2. Current RN licensure in State of Louisiana.
3. Current BCLS certification.
4. Current ACLS certification.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

2. 2+ years of oncology experience strongly preferred.

3. OCN Certification preferred (or required within 2 years).