Nurse Navigator Job Description
Nurse Navigator Job Profile and Description:
A nurse navigator works closely with physicians in various specialty areas and coordinates a patient’s care plan communication and programme. Under general administrative direction, they provide patient education related to their illness and planned treatment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- They work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement an up-to-date care plan
- They need to communicate with all members of the healthcare team on behalf of the patient
- They use clinical protocols to refer patients to the appropriate specialist for diagnosis or treatment
- They help patients and their families in obtaining referrals to a specific specialist
- They give emotional support, and counseling, related to the clinical situation
- They work with designated physicians to develop and maintain hospital protocols
- They are also directly involved with the development and enhancement processes with the aim to improve the clinical experience for referred patients or physicians
- They communicates with referring physician’s offices as required by the patient and physician
- They need to work with marketing and outreach departments to educate referring physicians and facilities on services
- This position requires advanced practice expertise to identify and implement improvement processes, and the ability to design, direct and implement health care plans
Skills and Specifications
- One must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- They should have good analytical and deduction skills
- They need to be sympathetic and provide emotional support to the patient
- They must be organised and able to multi-task
- They should be able to work in tough stressful condition with a positive attitude
Education and Qualifications
A nurse navigator must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or must have at least two to three years experience in nursing, as a health or patient educator, or a pharmaceutical representative. For special case one needs to have a master’s degree in nursing or public health with 2 years work experience.