Patient Navigator (Nurse IV)

QUALIFICATIONS
* Baccalaureate degree in Nursing
* Eligible for active practicing licensure as a Registered Nurse with applicable regulatory body in the province of Manitoba
* Completion of a recognized Oncology Nursing program with evidence of continuing competence
* Completion of a recognized Oncology Patient Navigation course or willingness to complete within 18 months
* Canadian Oncology Nursing Certification, CON(C)
* One (1) year equivalent full time experience within the last five (5) years in Patient Navigation
* Three (3) years equivalent full time experience within the last five (5) years caring for patients and families experiencing cancer
* Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Training, as delineated in Prairie Mountain Health Policy PPG-00002 CPR Training
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers Licence, or equivalent from province of residence, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
* Proficiency with Citrix / Aria Med Onc manager electronic health record system
* Demonstrated evidence-based knowledge of cancer disease process, treatments, side effects and complications
* Ability to work in multiple environments including office, inpatient units, cancer care centres, homes, and community settings
* Ability to provide the public and medical teams information on the role of Navigation in the medical system
* Have strong knowledge of distress management and the importance of the supportive role for patients and families affected by cancer in all stages of the cancer trajectory
* Have a strong understanding of medical ethics, and how to negotiate an ethical dilemma
* In-depth knowledge of local, regional and provincial cancer services
* Ability to interpret data obtained from evaluations and quality improvement surveys to further improve Cancer Patient Navigation
* Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently
* Demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures in a changing environment
* Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patient Navigator is a trained professional with advanced cancer care experience, who provides guidance and support to patients and families through their entire cancer journey and improves access to services, community supports and resources in a timely manner. The Patient Navigator will establish partnerships with community based care providers; oncologists and other health professionals to help patients and families navigate the health care system. The Patient Navigator works with patients and families affected by cancer to address a wide range of physical, psychological, social, emotional and practical needs. The Patient Navigator serves as a linkage between patients, the cancer care system; the primary care system, including specialist care, and helps to improve the cancer patient journey.

The Nurse IV recognizes and fulfills their professional responsibilities by practicing in a manner consistent with professional obligations to take actions as per the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses, the scope of practice as defined by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), and other Provincial and Federal legislation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

EDUCATOR

1. Assesses, understands and accepts patients’ learning readiness.
2. Educates patients and families through the provision of suitable resource material, appropriate to their learning ability and need.
3. Orientates patients and families to the cancer journey and the cancer system.
4. Educates how the role of primary care and the specialist care are important components in the cancer journey.
5. Provides current and evidenced based cancer related information resources, guidelines and sessions to health care professionals.
6. Collaborates with community primary care organizations and members in providing cancer prevention and early detection care knowledge.
7. Educates the public and community organizations about the role of the Patient Navigator.
8. Assists in developing resources for local communities in collaboration with community stakeholders.
9. Has a general knowledge /understanding of alternative therapies and complementary therapies (CAM) and the impact they have on cancer patients.
   
   CASE MANAGER
10. Consults with the patient’s care team to become familiar with the cancer diagnosis, stage and treatment options including survivorship issues.
11. Facilitates communication between primary care providers, surgeons, other specialists, oncologists and other health care providers.
12. Collaborates with other health professionals for patient/family care planning, discharge and follow up requirements.
13. Helps to ensure that medical staff and/or appropriate professional have the information required to care or follow up with a patient.
14. Identifies and coordinates patient and family care needs that can be met by other community team members and agencies.
15. Provides cancer patients and their families with assistance and strategies to navigate through the health care system.
16. Actively participates in team rounds communicating changes, challenges and needs associated with each patient and family
17. Facilitates early referral and transition to the Palliative Care Program to help ensure continuity of care, when appropriate.
18. Creates a navigation plan that addresses patient and family’s navigation needs.
19. Applies the knowledge of cancer disease process, treatments, side effects and complications anticipating patient’s needs including emotional and practical needs.
20. Utilizes appropriate screening tools when necessary.
    
    EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
21. Assesses and recognizes the patients’ individual coping skills.
22. Refers patients and/or families to supportive/rehabilitative care services, both professional and volunteer.
23. Supports patients through the decision making process by assessing their understanding of treatment options and providing education to facilitate their understanding.
24. Addresses and supports the emotional needs of patients and their families throughout the entire cancer trajectory
25. Utilizes standardized distress screening for patient and the ability to intervene with accepted psychosocial oncology nursing practices
    
    LIAISON / ADVOCATE
26. Empowers patient/caregivers throughout the decision-making processes.
27. Supports patient and family behaviour that demonstrates autonomy and freedom of choice.
28. Acts as a liaison between the care team and the patient and their family.
29. Links culturally diverse communities and underserved populations to the cancer system.
    
    TEAM BUILDER
30. Communicates and/or participates with various staff, organizations and agencies to continue to improve the organization, quality and coordination of services.
31. Develops positive working relationships with peers.
32. Participates in local and provincial committees to enhance cancer care.
33. Provides evaluative feedback as it impacts on the patient’s cancer care experience, tracks gaps in services / resources and reports to the appropriate agencies.
34. Develops and maintains networks at the local, tri-regional and provincial level.
    
    COORDINATOR
35. Assists with organizing appointments/referrals as required.
36. Helps to coordinate available patient services as required.
37. Helps to ensure that health care staff and/or appropriate professional have the information required to care for or provide follow up with patients.
38. Provides cancer patients and their families with assistance and strategies to navigate through the health care system.
    
    PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (as per the CRNM Standards of Practice)
39. Demonstrates accountability for own action at all times.
40. Accepts responsibility for maintaining clinical competencies and continuing education.
41. Seeks and participates in activities that promote professional development.
42. Functions within standards, policies and legislation governing the profession.
43. Demonstrates respect for the patient and family to support, maintaining confidentiality of patient information.
44. Will actively be involved in the process of Provincial Navigation Competencies & Orientation as set out by CCMB.
    
    OTHER
45. Other duties as assigned.