Lung Nodule Coordinator

Why ThedaCare?   

Living A Life Inspired!

Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world. 

At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility.  A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you’re interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare.

Benefits, with a whole-person approach to wellness –

• Lifestyle Engagement
  • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support  

• Access & Affordability
  • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare

About ThedaCare!

Summary :

The Lung Nodule Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator for patients identified with incidental or screening-detected pulmonary nodules requiring follow-up evaluation. This role provides multidisciplinary coordination between patients, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Radiology, Primary Care Providers, and Oncology to ensure timely evaluation, diagnostic workup, and adherence to evidence-based follow-up recommendations.

The Lung Nodule Coordinator manages patients throughout the pre-diagnostic phase of care, from initial nodule identification through diagnostic resolution. This position is responsible for monitoring recommended follow-up imaging, facilitating specialist consultations and diagnostic procedures, educating patients regarding findings and recommendations, and maintaining tracking systems to ensure patients do not become lost to follow-up. Upon confirmation of a cancer diagnosis, care coordination is transitioned to the Lung Screening Navigator and/or Oncology Navigation team.

Job Description:

Monday - Friday

No Weekends No Holidays

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Care Coordination

• Coordinates the evaluation and follow-up of patients identified with pulmonary nodules through incidental findings, lung cancer screening, emergency department encounters, inpatient admissions, or diagnostic imaging with the help of natural language processing software.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for patients during the diagnostic evaluation period.
• Reviews imaging reports and identifies patients requiring follow-up according to established guidelines and protocols.
• Facilitates timely referrals to Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Interventional Pulmonology, Radiology, and other specialists as appropriate.
• Coordinates recommended diagnostic testing, including repeat imaging, PET scans, pulmonary function testing, biopsies, and specialty consultations.
• Tracks patients through completion of recommended diagnostic pathways and ensures closure of care gaps.

Patient Navigation and Education

• Educates patients and families regarding lung nodules, recommended follow-up, diagnostic testing, and next steps in care.
• Reinforces provider recommendations and promotes adherence to follow-up plans.
• Assists patients in overcoming barriers to care, including scheduling, transportation, communication, and care coordination challenges.
• Maintains ongoing communication with patients regarding appointments, testing, results, and provider recommendations.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborates closely with Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Pulmonologists, Radiologists, Primary Care Providers, Advanced Practice Providers, and Oncology teams.
• Participates in multidisciplinary lung nodule and thoracic oncology conferences as assigned.
• Communicates patient status and progression through the diagnostic pathway to involved providers.
• Facilitates timely transfer of care to Oncology Navigation or Lung Screening Navigation upon diagnosis of malignancy.

Program Management and Quality

• Maintains a centralized lung nodule tracking database and registry.
• Monitors compliance with follow-up recommendations and established care pathways.
• Performs chart reviews, audits, and tracking activities to identify patients overdue for follow-up.
• Assists with development, implementation, and evaluation of lung nodule management protocols.
• Collects and reports program metrics including follow-up compliance, time to diagnostic resolution, referral volumes, and outcomes.
• Supports accreditation, quality improvement, and regulatory requirements related to lung nodule management programs.

Provider and Community Education

• Serves as a resource to providers regarding lung nodule management pathways and referral processes.
• Promotes awareness of lung nodule follow-up programs across the health system.
• Assists with provider education related to evidence-based pulmonary nodule management guidelines.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, or another healthcare-related field.
• Minimum of 2 years RN, RT, Imaging or Care coordination experience
• Preferred Clinical background in pulmonology, oncology, cardiothoracic surgery, or care navigation
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification for healthcare providers

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance
• Job classification is exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing job duties

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normally works in climate-controlled office environment
• Frequent sitting with movement throughout office space
• Occasional high noise level in work environment
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and pharmacological agents
• Occasional contact with aggressive and or combative patients
• Use of computers throughout the work day

 

QUALITIES:

• Ability to support, advance and live our mission and evidence of such:
  • Mission – Our reason for Being - To advance the health of our communities through excellence and discovery, inspiring each person to live their unique best life
• Ability to support, advance and work toward our vision and evidence of such.
  • Vision - Who we Aspire to be - To be your trusted partner, transforming health care for everyone every day
• Commitment to and evidence of demonstrating our guiding principles.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Scheduled FTE:

1

Location:

Surgical Specialties - TCA Campus - Appleton,Wisconsin

Overtime Exempt:

No

Worker Shift Details:

Days