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Position Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nurse Navigator serves as a knowledgeable oncology care coordinator and patient advocate who assists patients and families in navigating the healthcare system throughout the cancer care continuum. Under the direction of the physician and RN leadership, the Nurse Navigator provides patient education, care coordination, resource identification, psychosocial support, and transition management to promote high-quality patient outcomes. The role collaborates closely with providers, nursing staff, patient advocates, and community resources to ensure timely access to care and continuity of services. The Nurse Navigator practices in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, the Texas Nurse Practice Act, and applicable standards of oncology care

Key Performance Areas

KPA 1. Patient Navigation and Care Coordination

·        Identify patients requiring navigation services during critical points in treatment, including diagnosis, treatment initiation, recurrence, and end-of-life care.

·        Coordinate care across providers, hospitals, infusion services, home health agencies, hospice providers, and community resources.

·        Facilitate timely referrals and follow-up appointments to support continuity of care.

·        Serve as a liaison between patients, caregivers, providers, and ancillary services.

·        Document patient interactions, referrals, and care coordination activities in the electronic medical record.

KPA 2. Patient and Caregiver Education

·        Provide education regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, symptom management, medications, and available support resources.

·        Reinforce physician and nursing education to promote patient understanding and treatment adherence.

·        Assess patient and caregiver educational needs and adapt communication methods accordingly.

·        Provide educational resources and community support information.

·        Assist patients and families in understanding care plans and navigating healthcare processes.

KPA 3. Clinical Support and Patient Advocacy

·        Perform nursing assessments within LVN/LPN scope of practice and communicate findings to the healthcare team.

·        Collaborate with providers and nursing staff to address patient concerns, barriers to care, and symptom management needs.

·        Advocate for patient needs and facilitate access to available services and resources.

·        Provide emotional support and assist patients in addressing psychosocial concerns.

·        Monitor patient progress and escalate concerns appropriately.

KPA 4. Transitions of Care Management

·        Support coordination of care during hospital admissions, discharges, and post-discharge follow-up.

·        Maintain accurate records regarding admissions, discharges, and transitions of care.

·        Coordinate referrals to home health, hospice, and other supportive services.

·        Communicate transition-related information to patients, caregivers, and the care team.

·        Follow up to ensure services are implemented and patient needs are addressed.

KPA 5. Operational Excellence and Collaboration

·        Collaborate with physicians, nursing leadership, patient advocates, and clinic staff to improve patient care processes.

·        Assist with development and delivery of patient education initiatives.

·        Support efficient clinic workflow and patient throughput.

·        Participate in quality improvement activities and departmental meetings.

·        Maintain compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and documentation standards.

Position Qualifications

Education

·        Graduate of an accredited Vocational Nursing program.

·        High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Minimum Relevant Experience

·        Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience required.

·        Prior oncology, hematology, infusion, care coordination, case management, navigation, or chronic disease management experience preferred.

·        Experience providing patient education and coordinating care across multiple healthcare settings preferred.

·        Experience working within an electronic medical record system required

Certifications/Licenses

·        Current and unrestricted Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license in the State of Texas.

·        Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

·        Oncology-related certification or navigation certification preferred, if applicable.

Skills

·        Knowledge of oncology and hematology patient care principles.

·        Understanding of the healthcare continuum, community resources, and supportive care services.

·        Strong patient advocacy and customer service skills.

·        Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

·        Ability to effectively educate patients and caregivers regarding complex healthcare information.

·        Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization abilities.

·        Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

·        Knowledge of health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, PPOs, and HMOs.

·        Proficiency with electronic medical records, Microsoft Office applications, and general computer systems.

·        Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

Travel:  0-25%

Expectations for All Employees

This position description reflects the general duties and responsibilities necessary to perform the principal functions of the job, as identified, and shall not be considered an exhaustive list of job responsibilities which may be inherent in the job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The responsibilities listed may be subject to change at any time and individuals may be asked to perform duties outside of their regular responsibilities to support the ongoing business operation needs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The essential functions described herein are intended to define the fundamental duties of the position and serve as the minimum requirements for performance. They do not represent an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be required. AON complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. The Company will engage in an interactive process to evaluate and, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, provided such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the business.

Physical Requirements

·        Standing for extended periods

·        Walking

·        Lifting up to 50 lbs.

·        Manual dexterity

·        Visual and auditory acuity

·        Ability to wear PPE

Cognitive Requirements

·        Critical thinking

·        Decision-making under pressure

·        Reading and interpreting medical information

·        Communication skills

Environmental Requirements

·        Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, chemicals, and fluctuating temperatures.

Accommodation Notes

·        Assistive devices for lifting

·        Modified schedules

·        Accessible exam rooms

·        Ergonomic tools

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