Patient Navigator - Registered Nurse at UBMD Internal Medicine – Amherst, New York

Company Description

UBMD Internal Medicine (UBMDIM) is the academic medical practice affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. With 135 Primary and Specialty Care physicians and 187 staff members, UBMDIM operates across 16 hospital and outpatient clinic locations. Our physicians actively treat patients, teach future medical professionals, and conduct groundbreaking research to advance healthcare. As the largest practice plan in UBMD Physicians' Group, we are dedicated to improving healthcare and patient outcomes in the Buffalo community and beyond.

Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Patient Navigator - Registered Nurse to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this vital role, you will serve as a guiding resource for patients throughout their healthcare journey, ensuring seamless access to services, clear communication, and personalized support. Your expertise in nursing combined with your passion for patient advocacy will help improve health outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and foster a supportive environment for diverse populations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients while working within a collaborative and innovative healthcare setting.

Duties

1. Act as a primary point of contact for patients, providing education on treatment plans, procedures, and available resources

2. Coordinate care across multiple departments including primary care, specialty clinics, emergency services, and long-term care facilities

3. Assist patients with appointment scheduling, transportation arrangements, and follow-up care instructions

4. Conduct comprehensive patient assessments including vital signs, medical history review, and physiological evaluations

5. Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure understanding of diagnoses, treatments, and medication regimens

6.Support discharge planning by organizing community resources such as hospice & palliative medicine or home & community care services

7.Maintain accurate medical documentation using EMR (Electronic Medical Record) systems like Epic or Cerner while adhering to HIPAA regulations

8.Provide health coaching on topics such as chronic disease management, pain management, or geriatrics to promote self-care and wellness

9.Assist with triage in urgent care or emergency room settings by evaluating patient needs and prioritizing care based on acuity levels

10.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs including those with developmental disabilities or memory care requirements

Skills

1. Extensive experience with EMR/EHR systems such as Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth or eClinicalWorks

2.Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic evaluation techniques

3.Proficiency in performing venipuncture, IV insertion, catheterization, suturing, and aseptic techniques

4. Familiarity with specialized areas including ophthalmology (botulinum toxin treatment), cardiology (cardiac catheterization), ICU/trauma medicine (Level I & II trauma center experience), infectious disease care, hospice & palliative medicine, and pediatric or neonatal care

5. Ability to manage acute pain cases and provide ventilator or tube feeding support when necessary

6. Experience working with diverse populations including children (toddler care), seniors (geriatrics), individuals with disabilities or developmental challenges

7.Knowledge of Workers' Compensation law and discharge planning procedures for post-acute care settings

8.Excellent communication skills for patient education and case management; compassionate approach to working with vulnerable populations

9.Ability to perform physical examinations and vital signs assessment accurately while maintaining sterile technique when needed

10.Familiarity with ICD coding (ICD-9 & ICD-10), CPT coding for procedures and treatments; laboratory experience including specimen collection/processing is a plus

Qualifications

*Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) with relevant clinical experience
*Case management and patient-centered care coordination skills
*Strong communication and interpersonal skills for patient interaction and care team collaboration
*Organizational and problem-solving skills to manage multiple cases effectively
*Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems
*Knowledge of healthcare processes, treatments, and resources
*Ability to work independently in a fast-paced healthcare environment
*Bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalent qualification preferred

Join us in this rewarding role where your nursing expertise will directly impact patient lives through compassionate guidance and expert coordination. We value energetic professionals committed to excellence in patient-centered care!

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Vision insurance