MAIN FUNCTION:

Provides personalized support and guidance to breast cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. This role will serve as a crucial point of contact, offering comprehensive assistance, education, and advocacy to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care and support.  This position reports to the Director of Oncology Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patient Support and Education:

Act as a primary point of contact for breast cancer patients, offering empathetic support, guidance, and encouragement throughout their treatment journey. Provide comprehensive education on breast cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and available resources, ensuring patients and their families have the information needed to make informed decisions. Address patient concerns, questions, and uncertainties, offering clarity and reassurance as they navigate the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment plan.

2. Care Coordination:

Collaborate closely with healthcare providers, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists, to coordinate seamless and integrated care for breast cancer patients. Facilitate appointments, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures, ensuring timely access to necessary services and interventions. Assist patients in understanding and adhering to their treatment plans, including medication schedules, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle recommendations.

3. Advocacy and Empowerment:

Serve as a strong advocate for patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed within the healthcare system. Empower patients to actively participate in their care by fostering shared decision-making and encouraging self-advocacy. Provide emotional support and coping strategies to help patients navigate the emotional challenges associated with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

4. Resource Referral and Support Services:

Connect patients with community resources, support groups, and financial assistance programs to address their practical and psychosocial needs. Offer guidance on available wellness and supportive care services, including nutrition counseling, physical therapy, and integrative therapies.

5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with patients and healthcare providers.

6. Empathetic, patient-centered approach to care, with a commitment to advocating for patients' needs and preferences.

7. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

8. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer’s needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Medical Center.

9. It is understood that this lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

Required:

Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State Basic Life Support (BLS) Proficiency in medical documentation and electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) Certification in oncology nursing (OCN) or breast care nursing (CBCN)

EXPERIENCE:

Preferred:

Experience in oncology nursing, with a focus on breast cancer care. Strong clinical knowledge and understanding of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment modalities, and survivorship issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires frequent standing and walking. Reaching and stooping. Required to be on feet most of the time. Ability to frequently lift 15 lbs. and occasionally lift 25 lbs.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I.  Tasks that may involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.