Breast Navigator

The Breast Navigator is a patient educator, care coordinator, system navigator and patient advocate with the mission to improve the care experience for breast patients within the Imaging department. The Navigator works collaboratively with the patient and their support systems, and care team to support the patient from prevention and early detection through diagnosis and follow-ups.

1. Serves as a patient navigator to provide care coordination, education, system navigator and advocacy for breast Imaging patients.
2. Maintains patient and organization confidentiality at all times.
3. Demonstrates effective communication with patients, families, physicians, staff and community agencies.
4. Provides coordination and education for breast Imaging patients:
   1. Assesses patient's educational, physio/psychosocial needs, barriers to care and support systems.
   2. Facilitates information gathering and analysis in order for patients to make informed decisions.
   3. Collaborates with staff to facilitate timely access and continuity of care.
   4. Facilitates access to healthcare and community resources for patients as necessary.
   5. Individualizes the care of each patient throughout the continuum.
5. Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and autonomy in developing the Breast Navigator position.
6. Develops and maintains database.
7. Develops measures and reports outcomes of the position.
8. Serves as a liaison for hospital, physician, and community groups.
9. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Breast Imaging experience.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to details required.
• Must have excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills.
• Must be able to work autonomously and make decisions.
• American Heart Association - BLS.

• Self-directed and able to organize and manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Ability to promote programs and services to community.
• Extensive understanding of patient care.
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Physical presence onsite is essential.
• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient.
• Able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling.
• Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.
• Ability to run in emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

Environmental

• Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions
• Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment

Psychological

• Includes demonstrating leadership skills, delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results