Congress Abstracts 2005

74

ONCOLOGY NURSES AS SERVICE LINE ADMINISTRATORS: A UNIQUE BLEND OF ROLES. Catherine Lyons, RN, MS, CNAA, Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.

The establishment of Clinical Service lines in various specialties (Oncology, Cardiac) in different settings (academic, community) has seen rapid growth and expansion as a relevant and responsible model of management. In the specialty of Cancer, in particular, the continuum of care experienced by patients over the course of the disease makes the Service line concept particularly appropriate. Oncology Nurses should be considered as strong candidates for Service Line Administrator roles because of their unique and valuable set of skills.

This presentation will describe (1) the elements of a successful Service Line Concept, (2) the organizational model, (3) the importance of linkage between financial and clinical performance/outcomes and (4) the concept of focus on patient care and services regardless of the setting and (5) organizational and role differences in community and academic environments. Strategies for measurement of key evaluation metrics will also be discussed.

In addition to describing the challenges of initiating a Service Line model, the knowledge, skills and abilities of the Service Line Administrator will be described, along with the description of typical roles and responsibilities for this key position. For those who are considering the implementation of such a model, key ingredients for success in recruiting an Administrator with a unique blend of administrative and clinical skills will be described along with the challenges that may be encountered in various settings.

Qualitative as well as quantitative dashboard indicators for the Oncology service Line will be described. Strategies for development of successful partnerships with Hospital and medical staff leadership will be outlined in both an academic and community setting.

This topic has wide implications for community and academic health care organizations interested in developing the Service Line Concept for Cancer. A case for Oncology Nurses as successful Service line administrators will be articulated along with suggested additional skills and education that the successful candidate should possess.