Patient Navigator (RN)

Community Health Systems; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems is seeking an experienced Patient Navigator (RN) to guide patients and families through the continuum of care. The role coordinates care, addresses barriers, and supports communication among patients, caregivers, and providers.

The navigator collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and community resources to ensure a patient-centered experience, with emphasis on education, advocacy, and timely care from diagnosis to treatment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of clinical nursing experience required.
• 1-3 years of experience in patient navigation, care coordination, or case management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients and families from diagnosis through end of treatment, providing ongoing support.
• Assess patients' medical, emotional, and socioeconomic needs and address barriers to care.
• Provide patient education about treatment, side effects, and management strategies.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Coordinate referrals to social workers, financial counselors, dietitians, and community resources.
• Assist patients with insurance matters and obtaining financial assistance as needed.
• Develop and update educational materials for patients and caregivers, maintain resources library.
• Track patient progress and adjust care plans to evolving needs.

Skills

RN experience

Care coordination

Communication skills

Empathy

Job description

Job Summary

The Patient Navigator - RN provides guidance, support, and education to patients and their families throughout the continuum of care. This role assists in coordinating care, overcoming barriers, and facilitating communication among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. The Patient Navigator collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, community resources, and support services to ensure a seamless and patient-centered healthcare experience.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a primary point of contact for patients, families, and caregivers from diagnosis through the end of treatment, providing ongoing support and assistance.
• Assesses patients’ medical, emotional, and socioeconomic needs, addressing barriers to care and coordinating solutions to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes.
• Provides patient education, addressing concerns about treatment, potential side effects, and management strategies to improve understanding and quality of life.
• Facilitates communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.
• Acts as a patient advocate, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve services, reduce delays, and optimize the time from diagnosis to treatment.
• Coordinates referrals to support services such as social workers, financial counselors, dietitians, and community resources, including transportation and support groups.
• Assists patients with insurance-related matters, including completing forms and obtaining financial assistance as needed.
• Develops, updates, and provides educational materials for patients and caregivers, maintaining a library of resources tailored to patient needs.
• Tracks patient progress throughout the care continuum, addressing concerns and adjusting plans as necessary to meet evolving needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of clinical nursing experience required
• 1-3 years of experience in patient navigation, care coordination, or case management preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of patient navigation, care coordination, and nursing principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Ability to assess and address barriers to care, demonstrating empathy and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services to address patient needs holistically.
• Proficiency in patient education, including developing materials and conducting teaching sessions.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and coordinate services across the continuum of care.
• Familiarity with insurance processes, financial assistance programs, and healthcare regulations.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required