Breast Coordinator, RN

SUMMARY

The primary goal of the Breast Coordinator RN is to serve with compassion as a consistent care coordinator throughout the breast health continuum, from screening and diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and follow-up care. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the Breast Coordinator RN is responsible for program coordination and patient-centered care initiatives designed to enhance the patient experience and promote optimal clinical outcomes in a timely, efficient, and well-coordinated manner.

As an advocate, educator, facilitator, and support resource for breast imaging and breast care patients, the Breast Coordinator RN performs nursing assessments to identify patients' clinical, psychosocial, emotional, and educational needs and facilitates appropriate resources and referrals. This role serves as a clinical resource for patients, families, providers, and staff regarding breast health, breast imaging, breast cancer care, and patient navigation, consistent with the RN's education, training, demonstrated competency, and scope of practice.

Through coordinated navigation and collaboration with the multidisciplinary care team, the Breast Coordinator RN facilitates timely access to diagnostic and treatment services, promotes continuity of care, and supports patients through complex healthcare pathways while addressing age-appropriate and developmental needs. The incumbent supports the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of established patient care plans across the continuum of breast health services.

In collaboration with and under the clinical direction of the radiologist, the Breast Coordinator RN provides nursing support for contrast-enhanced CT and MRI services, including patient assessment and monitoring; recognition of adverse contrast media reactions; implementation of appropriate nursing interventions, provider orders, and established protocols; and activation of emergency response procedures when clinically indicated.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Includes but not limited to the following:

• Coordinate patient care throughout the breast health continuum, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, biopsy, pathology review, surgical consultation, treatment, survivorship, and follow-up care.
• Serve as the primary clinical liaison between patients, radiologists, primary care providers, surgeons, oncologists, and ancillary services.
• Facilitate timely scheduling and follow-up of abnormal breast imaging findings, breast biopsies, and recommended diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor patient progression through established care pathways to identify and help reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
• Provide patient and family education regarding breast imaging and biopsy procedures, reinforce provider education regarding diagnoses and treatment plans, and provide education regarding survivorship resources and follow-up recommendations.
• Assess patient barriers to care and coordinate appropriate resources, including financial counseling, transportation assistance, language services, psychosocial support, and community resources.
• Communicate breast health program goals and patient needs effectively among multidisciplinary team members.
• Participate in breast program quality initiatives, accreditation activities, regulatory compliance efforts, and performance improvement projects.
• Track patient outcomes and key performance indicators related to breast imaging and breast cancer care coordination.
• Provide support and guidance for patients experiencing anxiety, distress, or uncertainty related to abnormal findings or cancer diagnoses and facilitate appropriate referrals when indicated.
• Serve as a nursing and care coordination resource for physicians, advanced practice providers, imaging staff, and administrative personnel.
• Support patient navigation efforts to promote timely follow-up with established screening, diagnostic, and treatment recommendations made by the patient's healthcare providers.
• Promote an exceptional patient experience through compassionate communication, education, advocacy, and care coordination.
• In collaboration with and under the clinical direction of the radiologist, provide nursing support for contrast-enhanced CT and MRI services, including patient assessment and monitoring; recognition of adverse contrast media reactions; implementation of appropriate nursing interventions, provider orders, and established protocols; activation of emergency response procedures when clinically indicated; coordination of follow-up care; documentation; and participation in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives within the ambulatory imaging environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the individual's education, training, demonstrated competency, licensure, and applicable scope of practice.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical nursing experience required.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

PREFERRED

• Bilingual in Spanish 
• Advanced certifications in breast care, navigation, or related specialty areas preferred.
• Experience in breast health, women's health, radiology, ambulatory care, or patient navigation preferred.
• Experience coordinating care across multiple specialties and departments preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

KNOWLEDGE

The jobholder must demonstrate current competencies applicable to the job position. 

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Problem resolution skills.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze data.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrates customer-focused interpersonal skills and interacts effectively with practitioners, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, community agencies, patients, and families who may have diverse opinions, values, and religious and cultural ideals.
• Demonstrates the ability to work autonomously within established policies, procedures, clinical protocols, and scope of practice and to be accountable for assigned responsibilities and outcomes.
• Demonstrates flexibility.
• Exhibits the ability to facilitate collaboration and influence decision-making across multidisciplinary teams.
• Possesses the skills necessary to function effectively in a fluid, dynamic, and rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to positively influence patient experience, care coordination, and program outcomes.

SKILLS

• Skill in appropriate nursing assessment, patient monitoring, and care coordination techniques.
• Skill in the appropriate use of universal precautions, workplace safety practices, and confidentiality requirements.
• Skill in health information management and accurate, timely documentation of patient information.

ABILITIES: 

• Ability to work effectively as a team member with physicians and other staff.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to appropriately interact with patients, families, staff, and others.
• Ability to respond flexibly to changing demands.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work effectively while coordinating activities across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Proof of identity and legal authority to work in the U.S. is a condition of employment. Cypress Healthcare Partners/Salinas Valley Health Clinics will not sponsor applicants for work visas.