MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Patient Navigator serves as a patient advocate assisting cancer patients in the transition from standard oncology care into participation in clinical trials. The Patient Navigator advocates for patient safety and protocol integrity, adheres to standards, and communicates effectively to ensure effective conduct of clinical trials and quality patient care.

• Current BLS
• Current Texas Registered Nursing License for RNs
• Oncology experience preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following:

COORDINATION OF CARE

• Assesses patient needs upon initial encounter and throughout navigation, matching unmet needs with appropriate services.
• Identifies potential barriers to care (transportation, housing, language barriers, literacy, financial, insurance) and facilitates referrals as appropriate.
• Develops knowledge of available local, community, or national resources.
• Facilitates timely scheduling of appointments.
• Assists in identification of candidates for molecular testing and/or genetic testing.
• Ensures documentation of patient encounters and provided services.
• Applies knowledge of insurance processes toward establishing appropriate referrals.
• Obtains essential medical records.
• Obtains up to date insurance information.
• Ensures pre-authorization for new patient visits.

Communication

• Builds therapeutic and trusting relationships with patients, families, and caregivers through effective communication and listening skills.
• Acts as a liaison between the patients, families, caregivers, and physicians.
• Adheres to established regulations concerning patient information and privacy.
• Promotes a patient and family-centered care environment for ethical decision making and advocacy for patients with cancer.
• Ensures that communication is culturally sensitive and appropriate for identified level of health literacy.
• Facilitates communication among members of the cancer care team to prevent fragmented or delayed care that could adversely affect patient outcomes.

Education

• Assesses educational needs of patients, families, and caregivers by taking into consideration barriers to care (literacy, language, cultural influences, and comorbidities).
• Provides and reinforces education to patients, families, and caregivers about diagnosis, treatment options, side effect management, and post treatment care.
• Orients and educates patients, families, and caregivers to NEXT Oncology, the team members and roles, and available resources.
• Promotes awareness of clinical trials.
• Obtains and provides oncology-related education materials for patients as appropriate.
• Provides education on genomic and molecular testing and the implication of results.

Professional Role

• Participates in the tracking and monitoring of metrics and outcomes, in collaboration with administration, to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

SUPERVISION

The Patient Navigator reports to the Vice President of Clinical Services.