Patient Navigator (RN)

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is seeking a Patient Navigator (RN) to guide patients and families through the care continuum. The role coordinates care, removes barriers, and ensures clear communication among medical teams and community resources.

The RN will educate patients, address treatment concerns, and coordinate referrals to social workers, financial counselors, dietitians, and transportation services as needed.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in good standing.
• Strong clinical nursing background with patient-facing experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assess and address patient barriers to care.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for patients, families, and caregivers from diagnosis through treatment.
• Assess medical, emotional, and socioeconomic needs; address barriers to care.
• Provide patient education about treatment, side effects, and self-management.
• Facilitate communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Skills

Nursing care

Communication

Care coordination

Empathy

Education

RN license

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