RN Navigator - Lung Nodule Outpatient Clinic

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Medical Director and Associate Director of Clinical Operations, guided by the policies and procedures of the Ambulatory Services, and in collaboration with the physician staff and senior clinical nursing staff, the Clinical Nurse (CN) performs the role of a Nurse Navigator within the Lung Nodule Outpatient Clinic. The CNII, Nurse Navigator demonstrates critical thinking and uses the nursing process to assess and meet the needs of patients by providing care coordination for patients being referred to the Lung Nodule Clinic. She/he will assess patients in the early stage of the referral process to match unmet needs with appropriate services and referrals and support services, such as dietitians, providers, social work, and financial services. Utilizes the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to provide safe, therapeutic care. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary and nursing teams.

The Lung Nodule Nurse Navigator serves in a leadership role and coordinates patient care for an assigned adult Oncology outpatient population. This nurse is experienced and highly skilled with knowledge and understanding of the cancer disease process, the major treatment modalities, symptom management, supportive care, and patient education. This nurse will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the surgical process, supportive care, and patient education. At this operational level, the nurse proactively embraces the Oncology Nursing Society/Standards of Oncology Nursing practice and surgery standards to utilize the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to provide safe, therapeutic care.  The nurse utilizes an interdisciplinary approach across the continuum of care with adherence to National Patient Safety Goals set forth by regulatory requirements.  The nurse is recognized and utilized as a clinical resource and demonstrates investment in the overall forward movement of the unit and the organization.

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job.  The functions should add up to 100%.

%   of time	Essential Function (Yes/No)	Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)
40	Yes	Clinical Knowledge and Skills Management: Integrates nursing theory, research, and knowledge of the cancer disease process to effectively assess and manage appropriate care for the breast cancer patient population Maintains knowledge base consistent with the advances in Cancer treatment i.e., new treatment regimens, combination therapies, new radiation protocols, surgical advancement, and the pre and post op care of a surgical patient Utilizes computer technology for, and maintains confidentiality of data collection, documentation, communication, and research. Is competent and participates in research protocols as dictated by specific departments. Manages situations with advanced skills, ensuring the incorporation of patient/families' physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs. Utilizes the nursing process in providing care for a group of patients in accordance with all Medical Center and Ambulatory Services Policies and Procedures. Establishes and/or revises priorities based on acuity, visit volume, resource availability, and patient/family preference.
40	Yes	Nursing Process and Care Coordination Coordinates all new patients by conducting phone intake, triaging according to practice guidelines, and ensuring that all necessary information is obtained prior to the new patient appointments. Provides/coordinates ongoing care for established patients by performing nursing assessments, managing patients’ overall care plan, providing nursing interventions for disease/symptom management and interacting with third party payers to provide rationale for proposed treatment plans. Facilitates communication between providers by working with the care team (e.g., surgery, oncology, radiation therapy, primary care, social work, and genetics), attends tumor board meetings and department staff meetings, and develops working relationships with all related departments. Acts as a referral liaison with oncology staff to assist in the coordination of care among multiple health care providers and community agencies. Prevents delays in treatment by monitoring for needless time gaps, explaining necessary and expected gaps to patients, and identifying and proactively addressing problems in care. Work with Cancer Registry staff and others to collect data, track outcomes, and support strategic planning processes. Identifies and recommends helpful resources for patients, including local support groups, classes, and resources; be able to prepare patients and families to successfully access the resources. Develops more efficient procedures and policies to improve new and established patient care flow, accessibility to services, and patient education, including symptom management and treatment resources. Contributes to data collection re: patient and family medical history, psychosocial, cultural factors, nutritional, and special needs of the patient's physical status. Assists members of the health care team in the formulation and implementation of the patient's plan of care.
10	Yes	Professional Responsibility Articulates practice/departmental goals and philosophy. Complies with activities mandated by JCAHO/Title 22. Maintains knowledge of and adheres to established clinical and administrative policies and procedures. Ensures protection of patient rights and confidentiality in all interactions. Participates in patient care/ethics conferences, as appropriate. Supports Medical Center cost containment efforts. Attends and participates in at least 75% of staff meetings. Reads meeting minutes and other department communications and integrates information into practice. Promotes and participates in research activities to enhance patient care. Participates in the training of new staff
10	Yes	Other duties as assigned
100%		(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications 

• Five (5) or more years of recent RN adult ambulatory care experience. 

• A minimum of 3 years of total RN experience.

• Experience in working with Lung Nodule / Thoracic Surgery adult population within the last year

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Five (5) or more years of recent RN adult oncology experience. 

• OCN, or other relevant specialty certification

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California. 
• Current healthcare provider CPR certification

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html