RN Nurse Navigator- TMCH Cancer Center - Colorectal Surgery

In collaboration with physicians and administrators, provide coordination for a specific patient population’s journey through a treatment plan established by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and surgeons and other caregivers.  Coordinates patient’s care plan, facilitates patient appointments, including those made with labs, diagnostic areas, and specialty physicians; responsible for communication and overall program interaction with other disciplines. Provides necessary resource information to the patient and family along the continuum of care. 

Serves as a liaison between physicians and hospital staff to enhance relationships. Collaborates with administration, management, and staff across the organization to improve patient care. Works with Administration and multidisciplinary team to develop and grow the program through a variety of education, resource, and quality measures.

Tucson Medical Center (TMC) is Tucson’s only non-profit community owned hospital. Employees choose to work at TMC because of our of integrity, community, dedication, and compassion which we show through the exceptional care we provide to our patients and our community. Our passion for caring for the Tucson community has expanded over the last to include community partnerships, new medical specialties, and medical clinics to further provide the care our community deserves.

Why Join Tucson Medical Center?

We don’t only care for our patients, we care for our TMC family too. As a member of our family you can expect to enjoy a wide variety of benefits. In addition to all the benefits you would expect from a leading medical facility (medical, dental, vision, 401K with match) we also provide:

• Family Style Atmosphere with a Supportive Team 
• Competitive Pay
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Extensive Onsite Gym for $12.00 a Month

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF ONCOLOGY NAVIGATOR:

PATIENT CARE

• Assist patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and the resources available, including educating eligible patients about appropriate options, technologies and resources. Facilitate appointments for consults and support services within established service standards, including social workers, dietitians, physician, rehabilitation, etc.
• Develop concise patient summaries for use by the care team, and document recommendations made utilizing standardized care protocols in accordance with nationally recognized care guidelines.
• Consults and collaborates with members of the health care team in the assessment and management of the patient’s journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery; functions as a liaison between physicians, nursing, technologists and area support staff.

CLINICAL EDUCATION

• Coordinate multidisciplinary planning conferences, tumor boards, grand rounds, etc.
• Formulates and develops plans, procedures and programs to meet specific training needs and problems for patients, physicians and hospital care team.
• Assists in research and development directly related to oncology services.
• Designs a primary care physician education strategy that adheres to screening guidelines and best practices for cancer work-ups.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

• Assists in the development, implementation, and revision of nursing protocols and standards of care related to the program.
• Researches and provides advice on patient care processes, nursing processes, and larger-scale quality improvement projects.
• Identifies operational opportunities to improve of services and physician satisfaction; communicates those opportunities for improvement to the appropriate personnel.
• Participates in professional organizations and actively networks to share information and ideas.
• Assists in setting standards of practice patterns among physicians and surgeons treating cancer patients.

QUALITY

• Maintains compliance with appropriate regulatory, federal, and state mandated requirements.
• Participates in and coordinate unit Quality Improvement Program on a regular and continuing basis.
• Works with Cancer Registry staff and others to collect data; documents, tracks and monitors medical outcomes. Utilizes data to continuously improve treatment of cancer patients and to support strategic planning processes.

PHYSICIAN RELATIONS

• Acts as liaison and educational resource between physicians, administration, and hospital staff to enhance oncology program and patient care.
• Works with Professional Staff, THMEP and physician organizations to coordinate and support physician activities/committees as requested. Maintains records of training activities for CME related programs.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a qualified, nationally accredited nursing program required. Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of related experience, preferably in an acute care setting with experience as a health/patient educator or patient advocate, preferred area of clinical experience in the program area for the position.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION:  Current RN licensure permitting work in the State of Arizona and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.