NI-Nurse Navigator

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

8/29/2025

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-2370CL

Job Title:

NI-Nurse Navigator

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Provides holistic, age and culturally appropriate comprehensive nursing care in collaboration with a physician across the continuum of care.  Functions as a consultant, role model, researcher and educator, ensuring quality patient care and outcomes.  Coordinates optimal resources within the multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurses, managers clinical specialists, patients and families.  Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and educational experiences in support of the unit service line and divisional nursing philosophy and objectives, as well as Health System initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

•

Works to support the patient and their support persons through the care continuum. The navigator ensures a smooth transition through each care setting. Is seen as a central resource and point of contact for the patient and their support persons. Provides nursing care as directed, including but not limited to education, assessment, and triage. Collaborates with the providers to facilitate shared decision making with the patient and their support team.

•

Works collaboratively with the care team to navigate the care of the patient and coordinate the comprehensive treatment plan. Work as a liaison for the patient/families and the providers. Coordinate tests and procedures as prescribed by the appropriate physician. Facilitates multidisciplinary team as applicable.

•

Provides information, education and follow up support to patients and families and interacts with appropriate community agencies, ensuring implementation and continuity of care plan and facilitating communication between patient, family members and the multi-disciplinary team. Functions as a patient and family advocate and facilitate ethical decision making within the realm of patient care.

•

Serves as a consultant and resource person to members of the multi-disciplinary team providing guidance and educational experiences based on the patient’s needs. Facilitates the development of department protocols and processes.

•

Accurately documents patient information and reports any response to plan of care in medical record as appropriate for nursing intervention. Conveys this information to appropriate physician and other members of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains confidentiality of position acquired information. Acts as patient navigator for identified patient population.

•

Active participant in department, facility, and health system teams and councils. Engages in process improvement activities and supports continuous quality improvement initiatives.

•

Performs all aspects of care in an environment that optimizes patient and environmental safety and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and compliance efforts.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

Provides age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening, interpretation of clinical and laboratory data and develops and implements age appropriate interventional and plans of care including education within the parameters of his/her position responsibilities and licensure.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

BSN.

Required

Must complete designated educational courses/activities required by the department (course/activities may vary by department).

Required

Must provide copy of HS diploma or equivalent, or highest level of completed degree obtained.

Required

Oncology Dept Only - Experience in patient education, planning, management and coordination of care for patients and families in health and/or oncology clinical coordination.

Required

GI Lab Only – one year of GI experience required.

Required

Orthopedics Dept Only – one year of Orthopedics experience required.

Required

Neurosurgery Dept Only – one year Neurosurgery experience required.

Required

Oncology Dept Only - Oncology experience and/or case management preferred.

Preferred

Current Nurse licensure in the State of Illinois. 

Required

Specialty certification required within 5 years of hire or at manager discretion.  Acceptable specialty certifications include:

• Onc Certified RN (OCN)

• Certified Breast Care RN (CBCN)

• Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)

• Onc RN Navigator - Certified Generalist (ONN-CG)

• Breast Health Clinical Navigator (BHCN)

• Certified Hospice & Palliative Care RN (CHPN)

• Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse (CORLN)

• Certified Urologic Registered Nurse (CURN)

• Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN)

No specialty certification is required for the NICU.

Required

BLS.

Required

ACLS certification, if applicable (varies by department).

Required

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

•

Successful completion of annual clinical, age and job specific competencies and skill validation tools.

•

Good interpersonal skills and ability to relate well with levels within the organization and community.

•

Excellent verbal, written, organizational and critical decision-making skills.

•

Able to work both independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Bending

X

Crouching

X

Pushing / Pulling

X

Carry

X

Fine Hand / Eye Coordination

X

Color Discrimination

X

Hearing Ability

X

Lifting / Lowering 1 -15 lbs.

X

15 - 30 lbs.

X

30 - 50 lbs.

X

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Concentration on Detail

X

Attention Span of 1 + Hours on a Task

X

Ability to Remember Multiple Tasks

X

Oral Communication

X

Written Communication

X

Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids

X

Exposure to Toxins, Cytotoxins, Poisons

X

Exposure to Extreme Heat, Cold, Temp Fluctuations

X

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

X

Exposure to Radiation

X

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.