Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The RN Endoscopy Navigator is a vital member of the care team, ensuring timely, safe, and patient-centered care for individuals undergoing endoscopic procedures. This role integrates advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and compassionate communication to guide patients through the pre-procedure, procedure, and post-procedure phases. The Navigator triages referrals to prioritize high-urgency cases, ensures pre-procedure readiness, and provides patient education tailored to their needs. Acting as a bridge between patients, families, and healthcare providers, the RN Endoscopy Navigator contributes to optimal patient outcomes and a seamless care experience.

Position: Endoscopy RN Navigator

Department: Gastroenterology

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

STANDARDS OF CARE

• Consistently applies the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

• Conducts thorough assessments, prioritizes patient needs, and communicates findings effectively.

• Identifies emergency situations, communicates promptly, and responds appropriately.

Referral Triage and Pre-Scheduling

• Review referrals to prioritize high-urgency cases based on diagnosis and clinical indicators, such as bleeding, cancer red flags, or abnormal imaging.

• Identify routine surveillance colonoscopies suitable for deferment following current guidelines.

• Collaborate with scheduling teams to expedite appointments for urgent cases.

Pre-Procedure Readiness

• Identify patients requiring specialized care or preparation, including:

  • Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC):

    • Review prior endoscopic procedure reports in EPIC for tolerance issues or MAC recommendations.

    • Assess history of alcohol, marijuana, or substance use disorders; chronic opioid use; severe anxiety; or significant comorbidities (ASA III or higher).

  • Pre-Procedural Clinic (PPC) Visits:

    • Patients with severe COPD on home oxygen, pulmonary hypertension, or OSA.

    • History of decompensated CHF, recent MI or stroke (<6 months), or severe valvular heart disease.

    • Patients with implanted cardiac devices requiring cardiac device clinic appointments.

  • Two-Day Bowel Prep:

    • Patients with prior inadequate bowel preparation or risk factors such as constipation, opioid/anticholinergic use, or GLP1 use.

  • Pre-Procedural Antibiotics:

    • Patients on peritoneal dialysis, with cirrhosis and ascites, or undergoing PEG tube placement.

• Coordinate care plans and internal/external referrals as necessary.

Patient Education and Support

• Provide detailed pre-procedure instructions, including:

  • Medication management for antithrombotic, anticoagulants, diabetes medications, or GLP1 medications.

  • Dietary instructions and other prep-related guidelines.

• Act as a consistent resource for patients, ensuring understanding and addressing concerns.

• Educate patients and families on procedures, expected outcomes, and follow-up care.

Procedure and Post-Procedure Coordination

• Ensure all necessary documentation and patient information are complete and accessible before procedures.

• Review procedure outcomes with patients and coordinate post-procedure care plans.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

• Conduct ongoing evaluations of patient progress and revise care plans based on outcomes.

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and patient satisfaction.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

Job Requirements:

EDUCATION:

• Nursing degree: Diploma, ASN or BSN (preferred), Ability to obtain BSN within 4 years

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

• Requires current basic life support (BLS) certification

• Additional certifications may be required for certain practice areas.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience: 3-5 years’ experience, preferred

• Minimum of one year Ambulatory Care experience, gastroenterology experience preferred.

• Telephone Triage experience

• Bilingual Candidates are highly encouraged to apply

• Software/Hardware: Must be proficient and have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enters, and interpret computerized data/information.

• Effective interpersonal skills to facilitate communication with various members of the health care team, patients, and families.

• Organizational skills to set priorities and efficiently complete assigned work.
  Multilingual skills (beyond that of English) in languages appropriate to the patient populations served by the medical center preferred.

• Relevant clinical experience in pulmonary or allergy, preferred.

• Analytical ability to solve clinical nursing issues and conduct quality improvement research utilization projects.

• Ability to effectively delegate appropriate patient care activities.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills appropriate to the patient populations served.

• Physical ability to meet the core job responsibilities in accordance with practice setting demands for the patient populations regularly served.

• Ability to effectively manage stress due to critical issues related to patient care, changing organizational climate and personnel issues.

• Ability to effectively work as part of a team.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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