Centralized Nurse and Lung Bus Navigator in Pinehurst, North Carolina at FirstHealth of the Carolinas

The Centralized Nurse and Lung Bus Navigator serves as a key member of FirstHealth's lung screening program, providing clinical navigation, patient support, and operational coordination for the FirstHealth Lung Bus and broader lung screening initiatives. This registered nurse (RN) position is responsible for guiding patients through the lung screening continuum, reducing barriers to care, facilitating follow-up, and promoting a positive patient experience.

The Navigator works collaboratively with providers, clinical teams, community partners, and patients to increase access to lung screening services throughout the region while supporting mobile and community-based screening events. This role requires flexibility, adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in both traditional and non-traditional healthcare settings.

Patient Navigation & Clinical Support

• Serve as a clinical resource for patients participating in the lung cancer screening program.
• Educate patients regarding lung cancer screening eligibility, shared decision-making requirements, screening procedures, results, and recommended follow-up care.
• Coordinate care across the screening continuum, including referrals, scheduling, follow-up appointments, and communication with providers.
• Monitor patients with abnormal screening results to promote timely adherence to recommended diagnostic and treatment pathways.
• Identify and address barriers to care, including transportation, financial concerns, health literacy, and access challenges.
• Maintain frequent communication with patients, providers, and care teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Document all navigation activities accurately in accordance with organizational standards.

Lung Bus Operations & Mobile Screening Support

• Serve as the clinical liaison and patient navigator for FirstHealth's mobile lung screening program.
• Assist with the planning, setup, operation, and breakdown of mobile screening clinics and community outreach events.
• Support patient registration, intake, education, and navigation during mobile screening events.
• Collaborate with radiology, operations, community outreach teams, and referring practices to ensure smooth clinic operations.
• Travel throughout FirstHealth's service region to support mobile screening activities.
• Maintain awareness of safety procedures related to mobile clinic operations.

Provider & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with physicians, advanced practice providers, office staff, and community partners.
• Provide education and support to referring practices regarding lung cancer screening guidelines and program processes.
• Assist with community outreach initiatives designed to increase awareness of lung screening and tobacco cessation resources.
• Represent the lung screening program at community events, health fairs, provider meetings, and outreach activities.

Program Development & Quality Improvement

• Assist in tracking program outcomes, patient compliance, follow-up rates, and quality metrics.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives designed to enhance patient access and program effectiveness.
• Support the collection and reporting of data related to lung cancer screening and mobile clinic activities.
• Collaborate with Manager, Strategic Relationships and Lung Bus Operations on program growth opportunities and community engagement strategies.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Passion for patient advocacy and delivering exceptional patient experiences.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse patient populations and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration across teams.
• Comfortable working in flexible, changing environments.
• Proficient with electronic medical records, scheduling systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of lung cancer screening guidelines and patient navigation principles preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively throughout FirstHealth's service area.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed for community events and mobile clinics.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to assist with setup and breakdown of mobile screening clinics, community outreach events, and educational activities.

The following, or equivalents, are the minimum to requirements to perform the essential functions of this position:

• Graduate of an approved School of Nursing with a current North Carolina RN license or RN multi-state licensure privilege through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• BLS certification required
• Valid NC Drivers License with good driving record required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred