Overview
This is a unique opportunity to serve as the dedicated Nurse Navigator for the Diagnostic Mammography team, guiding patients through one of the most important moments in their healthcare journey. You’ll partner with patients after an abnormal finding, providing education, support, and compassionate care as they move through diagnostic testing and next steps.
In this highly relationship-centered role, you’ll meet with patients before procedures, answer questions, coordinate care, facilitate the consent process, and work alongside physicians and technicians to ensure each patient feels informed and supported. While the position is primarily focused on patient navigation and education, there will also be opportunities to start IVs for contrast-enhanced imaging.
Beyond the role itself, you’ll be joining a close-knit, collaborative team that genuinely enjoys working together and is committed to providing exceptional patient care.
The schedule is primarily M-F, 8-4:30 p.m., with some flexibility to 5 p.m. when needed to ensure patients receive the support they deserve.
If you’re looking for a position where you can build meaningful relationships, make a lasting difference during a vulnerable time in patients’ lives, and be part of a supportive, mission-driven team, this is an exceptional opportunity.
Goals:
- Provide clinical as well as emotional support to the diagnostic and screening breast patient; to be readily available for concerns/questions throughout the imaging diagnostic process; to work closely with the radiologists in accumulating results and conveying results to the patient—in person and/or on the telephone.
- Consult with patients needing immediate diagnostic work-up
- Provide support for required MQSA and ACR Accreditation audits under the guidelines of the Lead Interpreting Physician and in support of breast imaging excellence.
- Develop a close working relationship with the DH-Breast Imaging Center Staff-Radiologists, Technologists, Coordinators/Technologist Aides, Schedulers
- Form collaborative working relationship with the Comprehensive Breast Program staff-referring providers/ breast specialists/breast surgeons and their support staff. Share responsibility for the integrated approach to breast cancer patient care which coordinates care from the departments of radiology, surgery, oncology, pathology, and radiation oncology
- Establish and actively engage in collaborative involvement and leadership in DH local and regional community (DH north and DH south) through events sponsored by the Comprehensive Breast Program. Radiology Breast Imaging Center and/or Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC) including but not limited to Community Health Fairs/planned Marketing events and patient Education forums and collaboration in the development of written education materials as coordinated through NCCC and DH Public Affairs and Marketing and the Department of Radiology Image Right Image Safe initiative (IRIS)
Responsibilities
At the direction of the Director, Breast Imaging Center
Work with the radiologists to determine recommendations to patients following biopsies and contact patients directly to share or discuss biopsy results. Includes check on patient’s breast condition.
Assist patients with the scheduling of appointments for follow-up visits for breast imaging (short interval follow-up) and or follow-up with surgeon.
Make phone calls to patients instructing them of the need for additional imaging procedures that must be performed to clarify interpretation.
Exercise and utilize the utmost sensitivity when responding or interacting with the patient; maintain focus at all times on clinical/emotional needs while demonstrating excellent communication and organizational ability.
Assist with biopsy procedures as directed by the Breast Imaging Center Director. Work with radiologists, technologists, and tech aides to prepare patient for biopsy, provide care during biopsy, and provide post-biopsy care.
Perform assessment on patient presenting with breast problem; discuss with radiologist and work with technologists in getting necessary procedures performed.
Ensure that all follow up data is entered for mammography audits and EQUIP program as well as needed or desired for quality assurance and quality control. Includes but not limited to audits required by MQSA, ACR, or other local, state, or national regulatory bodies.
Orient, familiarize and utilize all aspects related to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) requirements ; American College of Radiology(ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®); ACR accreditation for a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (now ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Program); Radiology Information System/Mammography module reporting functions/requirements; Picture Archival Communication System (PACS);Electronic Medical Record ( e-DH)
Assist in the preparation of cases for weekly Breast Conferences.
Participate in the collection and evaluation of data that may contribute to improvements in the quality of care provided in the Department of Radiology. Engage in Quality Improvement Projects in the Breast Imaging Center.
Actively participate in outcomes research.
Develop, coordinate, educate and ensure safe nursing procedures and processes pertaining to the Breast Care Center services. Communicate and collaborate with other providers and staff involved in the care of patients undergoing diagnostic breast procedures/biopsies and follow-up in order to optimize patient care in all circumstances.
Actively supervises nursing activities serves as a resource to other breast specialties in the care and management of the breast patient.
Act as a liaison/resource between healthcare providers, the patients and family and financial resource services.
Collaborate with staff and colleagues within the Department of Radiology and with other Departments and Sections of the clinical setting to ensure optimal care of all patients.
Ensure that the program nursing practices meet professional and regulatory standards and to that end participate in Nursing Services meetings and committees as designated.
Provide counseling and education for patients and families as it pertains to their health status or health care.
Ensure immediate response to physician and patient telephone calls.
Maintain competency by participation in appropriate continuing education activities.
Provide flexibility in work schedule to meet center and patient care needs.
Provide assistance and support with other duties /other areas as needed.
Qualifications
- RN currently licensed in NH with a minimum of 2 years clinically experience.
- BSN preferred
- Experience with Breast Imaging and Breast Cancer patients helpful.
Required Licensure/Certifications
- RN currently licensed in NH
