Overview

The overall mission of the Biopsy Navigator (BN) will be to ensure timely access to care for those patients who are referred for image-guided biopsy procedures or are found on imaging studies read by JRA to have a lesion for which a biopsy is recommended. The goal is to decrease patient anxiety and improve patient care by ensuring the wait time for an image-guided biopsy procedure is as short as possible. The overall goal will be for every patient who has a biopsy ordered, or a lesion identified for which biopsy is recommended, to have the procedure done within 3 business days; or, 5 business days if there is need to withhold anticoagulants, Plavix, or aspirin as deemed necessary.

Responsibilities

The Biopsy Navigator will receive electronic notification of cases the radiologists have identified that have lesions the need biopsied.

Responsible for overall coordination of clinical services throughout the continuum in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team.

Store data such as patient name, dates of relevant scans, date or dates of biopsy, the name of referring physician and name of radiologist performing the biopsy.

Record biopsy results and determine if a biopsy is diagnostic, as well as documentation of follow-up in a computer database.

Work within the department to ensure cases are scheduled in a sensible way within the 3/5 day business day goal as noted in the Job Description.

Initiates communication with patients upon learning they have a biopsy scheduled.

Work with Ultrasound, CT, and IR to make sure cases are scheduled and done in a timely fashion, to avoid unnecessary patient delays.

Functions as a key member of the multidisciplinary team and contribute to the development of work processes.

Serves as the main point of contact for patients, families, and referring physicians.

Facilitates interaction and communication with the health care staff and providers.

Ensures appropriate patient appointments.

Arranges for patient testing and admissions.

Maintains and reviews patient records.

Efficiently documents medical information using the appropriate forms and/or electronic applications.

Tracks interventions and outcomes.

Builds relationships with patient and families; maintains contact and keeps other care team members apprised of patient status.

Conducts and promotes patient, family, staff, and community education through the use of expert clinical knowledge base.

Identifies and documents individual patient’s education barriers.

Assist patient/family to develop questions prior to office visits for discussion with providers.Biopsy NavigatorFollows a patient through the transition from scheduled biopsy to complete a follow-up appointment if necessary. Works collaboratively and act as a resource for all other multidisciplinary care coordinatorsMaintains a collaborative professional relationship with clinicians and administrative staff necessary to develop and implement a successful program. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION:Skill and proficiency in the principles, concepts, and techniques of the nursing profession with special emphasis on oncology nursing. A graduate of CCNE or NLNAC accredited school of nursing.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:Current license as a registered nurse in the State of TennesseeBLS certification requiredMembership in Nurse Navigator or Oncology Nurse Navigator organization desired within 1 year of employmentBS recommended but not requiredEXPERIENCE:3 years of nursing experience