Acute Care Coordinator, LPN
When patients face urgent health concerns, timely coordination and compassionate support can make all the difference. As an Acute Care Coordinator, you will play a critical role in guiding patients through acute care needs, ensuring they receive prompt attention, coordinated treatment, and exceptional service. Join our team and help deliver the high-quality care our patients depend on when they need it most.
Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 800 diverse team members.
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.
Job Summary:
· Responsible for the triage of patient phone calls, emails, and symptom reports, along with scheduling into the acute care clinic, for patients needing acutely seen. Acting as a liaison between the Physician/team and the patient. Responsible for monitoring and following high risk patients by providing comprehensive data management for patients.
Job Duties / Responsibilities:
- Provides extra support for patients at high risk for hospitalization or ER visits and hospitalization discharges.
- Possess strong clinical skills in patient assessment and obtaining pertinent medical history, as well as the ability to communicate this clearly to the physician and other members of the healthcare team.
- Has extensive knowledge of chemotherapy administration, side effects and symptom management.
- Educate patients about their disease and prescribed treatments.
- Assess patients for psychosocial distress and make referrals to social workers as needed.
- Has the ability to make independent nursing judgments, which includes triaging patient issues, symptom management, emergency management, and taking appropriate action, collaborating with the physician as needed.
- Ensures timely appointments, result reporting, and follow-up.
- Utilizes nursing triage pathways.
- Works collaboratively with physicians/nurses/ancillary departments and notifies them of incomplete data.
- Communicate with Triage and Refill Nurse Manager on a routine basis regarding patient inquiries, workflows, and processes.
- Demonstrates ongoing professional growth through and participation in relevant education endeavors.
- Additional duties as requested by manager or administration.
- Adheres to clinic standards, policies, and procedures.
- Maintains patient confidentiality.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- At least 1 year of Oncology experience
- Preferred: 3 years Chemotherapy Administration experience
- Preferred: 3 years Oncology and Chemotherapy Teaching
- Knowledge of supportive care principles and techniques for oncology patients
- Ability to educate patients and/or families as to the nature of disease and provide instruction on proper care and treatment.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Proficient in EMR, Excel, and future triage pathways and transitional care
- Effectively sets priorities and goals and has strong organizational skills.
- High level of professionalism and responsiveness when interacting with internal and external professionals
- Strong communicator - effective oral, written, and phone communication skills.
- Able to work independently, as well as a team member.
Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:
- Graduate of accredited school of nursing
- Possess a valid and current Arkansas state LPN license.
Physical Requirements:
- Standing and Walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
- Lifting and moving patients: Ability to lift, move, and assist patients, often requiring more than 50 pounds.
- Pushing and Pulling: Must be able to push and maneuver equipment and patient transport devices.
- Fine Motor Skills: Requires good hand-eye coordination to operate controls and handle small objects.
- Repetitive Motions: Frequent use of hand and fingers for operating machinery and adjusting settings.
- Bending and Reaching: Must bend, stoop, twist, and reach to position patients and operate equipment.
- May require occasional travel between clinic locations.
Work Environment:
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
- Safety Sensitive: In accordance with the Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.