Oncology Nurse Navigator -Palliative Care

NECS is currently seeking a full-time 32 hr. OncologyNurse Navigator with a strong interest in Palliative Care to join our Westbrook Palliative Care Practice. This roll is a critical part of our Supportive and Palliative Care Team, dedicated to direct patient care, providing supportive and palliative services our for Hematology/Oncology patients. The successful candidate will work with the treatment team and patient to develop strategies for symptoms and pain management. Work collaborative team including Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, Clinic Manager and other team members in carrying out the day to day aspects of clinical operations.

NECS is a private medical practice composed of 15 Oncologists and hematologists, serving the State and region from 4 different locations in Maine. NECS is committed to achieving the best outcomes and providing unmatched support in all areas for every patient. Nationally recognized as 1 of 12 Oncology Medical Homes in the Nation and the first private practice to become part of the Dana Farber Care Collaborative. NECS brings together top clinicians, researchers, and dedicated medical professionals, clinical and non-clinical to create the best possible experience for our patients.

Job Duties:

• Coordinates and collaborates with interdisciplinary team(s) in applying clinical guidelines and treatment protocols specific for symptom management, pain management and improvement of patient care in outpatient setting per practice guidelines.
• Draw blood from ports, central lines, and peripheral IV access. Perform other procedures as needed.
• Follows up with patients the day after he/she is seen in the office symptom management results.
• Reach out to patients and families on a regular basis to those involved in the palliative care and hospice setting.
• Screens for patients using tools like the Dashboard, reviewing hospitalized patients for follow up on discharge.
• Review list of urgent care visits from the weekend to help better meet patient palliative needs.
• Script refills and prior authorization, communication and referrals to Hospice and Home Care.
• Ensures the smooth execution of all practice nursing policies, procedures and systems.
• Assist physicians; conduct patient assessments.
• Maintain patient care standards and assures that patient care functions, such as assessment, treatment and documentation are completed safely and effectively.
• Initiate and documents appropriate interventions; evaluates and records patient/family response within practice protocol.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences, in-services and continuing education programs, national and regional professional organizations and community sponsored programs specific to Oncology, Hematology, and Palliative/Hospice Care.
• Coordinate patient care responsibilities within the scope of the practice for licensed and unlicensed health care providers.
• Performs nursing assessments and triage of patient care needs over the phone and in the office for all patients not those specifically limited to Palliative Care.
• Demonstrates respect for life, dignity, and rights of all persons.
• Ensures the smooth execution of all practice nursing policies, procedures and systems.
• Assists in application of national standards and guidelines for quality assessment and resources to enhance the quality of patient care. .
• Acts as a patient advocate in coordination of ACP referrals, assesses readiness for and understanding of the ACP process providing guidance as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned includes, clinic coverage as needed to cover vacations and other providers on an as needed basis.

Weekends: Periodic: this position participates with other RN’s in the weekend urgent care coverage 4-5 times per year.
Travel: Rare

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing required.
• Licensed Nurse within State of Maine required.
• 2+ years plus nursing professional experience required
• Hematology/Oncology experience preferred.
• ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Certification required within 6 (six) months of hire
• OCN required within 1 (one) year of hire or when eligible based on ONCC criteria
• Palliative, Hospice, Supportive Nursing Experience preferred
• Hospice Palliative Nursing Care Certification preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians and staff
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities.

Yearly Salary: $65,800 to $115,000

• New England Cancer Specialists offers competitive pay and benefits to our employees. Benefits include medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurances. Short Term and Long Term disability insurances. Tuition reimbursement. Generous Paid Time Off. Company paid holidays. 401(k)
• The Practice is committed to helping medical professionals maintain their licenses to practice medicine by providing them with opportunities to earn Continuing Medical Education (“CME”). CME benefits may include reimbursement for tuition costs and examination fees; and time off for CME Events and exams. The company also pays for reasonable travel and lodging if needed for CME Events, registration cost, and meals if needed
• Throughout the year NECS’s Activities and Engagement committee focuses on creating fun events, including appreciation activities, theme days and more.

From: New England Cancer Specialists