Nurse Navigator

General Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Nurse Navigator serves as a clinical resource and primary point of coordination for patients throughout their continuum of care at Urology Centers of Alabama, P.C. The Nurse Navigator works collaboratively with physicians, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), nursing staff, clinical team members, and outside healthcare providers to facilitate timely, coordinated, patient-centered care.

This position assists patients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment plan, procedures, medications, follow-up care, and available resources while helping identify and address barriers that may impact access to care or treatment compliance. The Nurse Navigator promotes continuity of care, patient education, effective communication, and a positive patient experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a clinical point of contact and advocate for patients throughout their course of care.
• Coordinate patient care across physicians, APPs, nursing staff, diagnostic services, treatment areas, hospitals, and outside healthcare providers.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, procedures, medications, potential side effects, follow-up requirements, and other aspects of care within the RN scope of practice.
• Review patient medical records, test results, treatment plans, and clinical information to assist with care coordination and identify appropriate next steps.
• Facilitate timely scheduling and coordination of consultations, diagnostic testing, procedures, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
• Monitor patients throughout the care continuum and assist in preventing delays or gaps in care.
• Identify clinical, logistical, financial, transportation, communication, or other barriers that may affect a patient's ability to receive care and coordinate appropriate resources or referrals.
• Perform nursing assessments and provide appropriate clinical guidance within the RN's scope of practice and established UCA protocols.
• Communicate significant changes in patient condition, symptoms, concerns, or barriers to the appropriate physician, APP, or clinical team member.
• Assist with coordination of referrals to specialists, hospitals, ancillary services, community resources, and other healthcare providers when appropriate.
• Provide education and reinforcement of physician-directed treatment plans and clinical instructions.
• Assist patients with transitions between different phases and settings of care.
• Collaborate with UCA physicians and clinical teams to support efficient and effective patient care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care discussions, conferences, or meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of patient interactions, education, care coordination activities, and clinical communications in the electronic health record.
• Promote patient safety, quality of care, and adherence to established clinical standards.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, UCA policies, and applicable federal and state healthcare regulations.
• Support quality improvement and patient experience initiatives related to navigation and coordination of care.
• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education and required competencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical requirements of this position may include prolonged sitting or standing, walking throughout the clinical environment, use of computers and electronic health records, and occasional lifting or assisting with clinical activities. The team member must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing required.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the Alabama Board of Nursing or a valid multistate RN license permitting practice in Alabama required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Additional specialty certification related to oncology, urology, case management, or nurse navigation preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience preferred.
• Previous experience in urology, oncology, prostate cancer, BPH, and OAB nurse navigation preferred.
• Experience providing patient education and coordinating care among multiple healthcare providers preferred.