What are the responsibilities and job description for the RN Breast Wellness - Full Time - 40 Hours position at Griffin Health Brand?
Griffin Health is an independent, not-for-profit healthcare system in Derby, Connecticut, dedicated to person-centered, high-quality care for over 130,000 residents. Anchored by Griffin Hospital—a 160-bed acute care community teaching hospital and Planetree International’s flagship facility—Griffin Health emphasizes kindness, respect, and active patient engagement.
Recognized nationally and internationally for clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and social responsibility, Griffin has earned honors such as Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospital” list for the last 5 consecutive years, LOWN Institute’s top state ranking for outcomes, and Becker’s “100 Best Community Hospitals” designation, as well as Fortune's Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For". The organization fosters a supportive, wellness-focused work environment with programs like Griffin AgeLess, empowering caregivers to thrive physically, emotionally, and professionally. Through innovation, community outreach, health education, and food-security initiatives, Griffin Health advances whole-person healing and strengthens the communities it serves.
Griffin’s suburban atmosphere offers an easy commute, away from congested cities with easy to find free parking. Employees can also take advantage of generous benefits and wellness programs that add distinct advantage in its employee compensation.
Main Function:
Breast Surgery is a highly specialized clinical environment that requires strong assessment skills, complex patient triage, and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Advanced Clinical Assessment
Breast surgery patients often present with:
- Post-operative complications
- Lymphedema symptoms
- Drain issues
- Signs of infection
- Acute changes requiring rapid decision-making
RNs are licensed to perform full assessments and make independent clinical judgments, which is critical in determining urgency and escalating appropriately.
- Triage & Clinical Decision-Making
RN-level triage is required for:
- Post-op pain changes
- New masses
- Abnormal imaging follow-up
- Post-surgical complications
- Chemotherapy or radiation-related symptoms (for oncology-linked cases)
- In-Office Procedures
Breast surgery clinics often require RN support for:
- Seroma aspirations
- Drain management and education
- Suture/staple removal
- Complex wound care
- Assisting in biopsies and other in-office procedures
- Coordination of High-Risk & Oncology Pathways
Breast surgery involves complex navigation:
- Coordination with oncology, genetics, plastics, radiology
- Reviewing and understanding pathology
- Managing fast-track abnormal imaging notifications
- Supporting high-risk or survivorship pathways
These tasks require the clinical knowledge and decision-making ability of an RN.
- Education & Psychosocial Support
Breast patients often require intensive education and support regarding:
- Cancer diagnoses
- Surgical options
- Drain care
- Recovery expectations
- Pre-/post-op instructions
- Risk-reduction strategies
RNs are trained for therapeutic communication, complex teaching, and emotional support—skills.
- Regulatory, Safety, & Compliance Requirements
Breast surgery care must align with:
- Commission on Cancer guidelines
- Nurse practice acts
- Documentation and assessment standards
- Oncology and surgical protocols
RNs help maintain compliance due to their broader legal responsibilities and training.
Advanced clinical assessment of breast symptoms, post-op complications, drains, wounds, and infection.
High-level triage skills to determine urgency and escalate concerns appropriately.
Expertise in breast-specific procedures, including assisting with biopsies, managing drains, performing dressing changes, and recognizing seroma/hematoma.
Strong patient education abilities for pre-op, post-op, survivorship, and high-risk patients.
Therapeutic communication to support patients facing cancer diagnoses or complex emotional needs.
Care coordination across imaging, oncology, radiation, genetics, and plastic surgery.
Understanding of pathology and imaging reports to support timely follow-up and provider workflows.
Compliance and documentation proficiency aligned with surgical, oncology, and safety standards.
Provide specialized support to patients. The nurse plays a critical role in helping patients understand new diagnoses and communicates the results of imaging studies (mammograms, ultrasound, MRI) and pathology directly to patients. This role ensures timely patient education, emotional support, and continuity of care.