Oncology Nurse Navigator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
• Ensure timely scheduling of oncology services and reduce delays in care.
• Track patients throughout treatment to ensure adherence to recommended care plans.
• Facilitate communication between patients, providers, specialists, and ancillary departments.
• Monitor referrals and follow up on missed appointments or gaps in care.

• Guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
• Ensure timely scheduling of oncology services and reduce delays in care.
• Track patients throughout treatment to ensure adherence to recommended care plans.
• Facilitate communication between patients, providers, specialists, and ancillary departments.
• Monitor referrals and follow up on missed appointments or gaps in care.

• Enhanced care coordination among multidisciplinary teams.

• Reduction in missed appointments and treatment cancellations.
• Improved retention of oncology patients within the health system.
• Increased completion of diagnostic and treatment services.
• Enhanced coordination of referrals and ancillary services.

• Support compliance with oncology quality standards and accreditation requirements.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Improve documentation and tracking of patient outcomes.
• Support multidisciplinary cancer conferences and care planning activities.

• Decrease administrative burden on physicians, nurses, and clinic staff.
• Improve communication among providers and departments.
• Streamline patient scheduling and care transitions.
• Provide a single point of contact for oncology patients and families.

Cancer services represent a significant service line with opportunities for growth. Delays in care, patient leakage to competing organizations, and missed treatment opportunities negatively impact both patient outcomes and organizational revenue. A Nurse Cancer Navigator helps retain patients within the health system, improves appointment adherence, facilitates timely treatment, and maximizes utilization of oncology-related services. The financial benefits generated through improved patient retention, increased treatment completion rates, reduced no-show rates, and enhanced coordination of services are expected to offset the cost of the position while improving overall program performance.

• Improving patient access to care.
• Enhancing quality and patient experience.
• Expanding oncology services.
• Reducing health disparities.
• Supporting population health initiatives.
• Strengthening multidisciplinary care coordination.
• Advancing health equity and patient-centered care.

• Associate Degree in Nursing required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification preferred or obtained within two years of hire.

• Minimum three (3) years of nursing experience required.
• Minimum two (2) years of oncology nursing experience preferred.
• Experience in care coordination, case management, or patient navigation preferred.

• Knowledge of oncology disease processes, treatment modalities, and supportive care services.
• Strong patient advocacy and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to use computers and office equipment for prolonged periods.