Oncology Nurse Navigator

Job Summary

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) is a registered nurse who provides individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers and facilitate timely access to high‑quality cancer care across the continuum. The ONN serves as a clinical guide, educator, advocate, and coordinator from cancer screening or diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and end‑of‑life care. This role emphasizes patient‑centered care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and quality outcomes.

• Provide personalized navigation services to patients from abnormal cancer screening or diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or palliative care.
• Assess patient needs (medical, psychosocial, financial, logistical, cultural, and educational) and identify barriers to care.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, specialist consultations, treatments, and supportive services to ensure timely care.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and families, offering continuity throughout the cancer journey.

• Provide disease‑specific education regarding diagnosis, staging, treatment options, clinical trials, side effects, and symptom management.
• Reinforce provider instructions and assist patients in understanding complex medical information.
• Promote shared decision‑making and informed consent.
• Monitor treatment tolerance, identify urgent symptoms, and facilitate appropriate clinical escalation.

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, financial counselors, dietitians, genetic counselors, and rehabilitation services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences as appropriate.
• Communicate patient needs, preferences, and concerns to the care team.

• Provide emotional support, counseling, and reassurance to patients and families.
• Facilitate referrals to supportive services, including social work, financial assistance, transportation, nutritional counseling, and community resources.
• Advocate for patients to reduce disparities and improve equity in cancer care.

• Track navigation metrics such as timeliness of care, barriers addressed, and patient outcomes.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and accreditation standards (e.g., Commission on Cancer, NAPBC).
• Document navigation activities accurately in the electronic health record.
• Participate in program development, community outreach, and cancer education initiatives.

• Required:
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required (MSN preferred).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of oncology nursing experience (inpatient, outpatient, or infusion).
• Demonstrated knowledge of oncology care, treatment modalities, and the cancer continuum.
• Preferred
  
  Certifications:
  
  
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) / Certified Nurse Navigator – Oncology (CNN‑ONC) or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.

• Strong clinical assessment and critical‑thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient‑education abilities.
• High level of emotional intelligence and cultural competence.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and data tracking tools.
• Commitment to patient‑centered, compassionate care.

Typically based in outpatient cancer centers, clinics, or hospital settings. Standard business hours with occasional flexibility based on patient and program needs. Minimal direct patient lifting; role emphasizes coordination, education, and support.

Reports to:

Director of Cancer Operations.

• Timeliness from diagnosis to treatment.
• Patient satisfaction and experience outcomes.
• Reduction in barriers to care.
• Compliance with accreditation and quality standards.
• Effectiveness of care coordination and communication.

Beyond competitive compensation, a…