Completes social history, psychological assessment with each patient and activity, and participates in the interdisciplinary care plan and
team meetings. Assists patients and families with personal, economic and environmental difficulties. Assesses and assists patient and
families with available community resources. Utilizes expertise and problem solving skills to achieve optimal clinical outcomes within
effective resources and timeframe.
Responsibilities:
- Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team and attends interdisciplinary care conferences, multi-disciplinary care clinics, tumor
boards and Oncology grand rounds regularly. - Demonstrates patient advocacy role through communication and documentation.
- Identifies, assesses and responds to patient and family needs in the Loyola Cancer Care and Research Center and CDH Infusion Center,
incorporating psychological, cultural and spiritual needs. Emphasis is placed on addressing the social and emotional needs of the patient and
family that may impact the patient's response to medical treatment. These needs may include, but are not limited to, adjustment to illness, poor or
limited coping abilities, functional impairment, mental illness, guardianship issues, compliance, need for additional resources due to limited
funds available, cultural differences, death, bereavement, welfare, including abuse, neglect and domestic violence. - Maintains patient and family educational activities and support groups.
- Provides timely and effective interventions for patients and families in emergency and crisis, including referrals to appropriate support services.
- Educates team members regarding the socio-economic, emotional and cultural issues that impact the care delivery, coping skills and response to
treatment. - Provides staff emotional support and education on coping skills as they handle emotional patient care activities.
- Assists with the planning, implementation and follow up for Oncology Services Outreach activities. Serves as the community Outreach
Coordinator on the CDH Cancer Committee. - Serves as a lead resource and assists with referrals in coordinating charity, financial resources, community support services such as American
Cancer Society, Livingwell, Gilda's Club, Wellness House etc. - Documents in clinical record appropriate interventions and plans for ongoing services.
- Assists patient/family with adjustment to illness and medical environment as evidenced by clinical documentation.
- Documents all referrals and clinical interventions related to their cancer care within clinical record in appropriate time frame.
- Provides daily documentation of education and evidence of team work in patient record.
- Documents patient's and/or family's understanding of barriers related to appropriate care and transition planning as evidenced through clinical
record documentation. - Seeks information and understands impact of clinical data. Demonstrates same by documentation and family/patient understanding and response
to clinical information. - Identifies and facilitates education of patients and families on end of life issues and community resources.
- Attends inservices/conferences to enhance professional development and to maintain Illinois licensure.
- Remains current with respect to regulations and ensures compliance. Maintains familiarity with drug reimbursement plans.