Oncology Nurse Navigator

Company Description

Salinas Valley Health is a community-focused healthcare system that has served the Salinas Valley, Monterey Peninsula, and surrounding region since 1953. The organization operates a 263-bed acute care medical center with more than 2,400 staff and 322 board-certified physicians across key specialties including Cancer Care, Cardiac Care, Orthopedics, Obstetrics, and Stroke. Salinas Valley Health achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition, underscoring its commitment to nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.

The team leverages advanced medical techniques and state-of-the-art technology to improve individual and community health. Strategic partnerships with leading research and metro hospitals, such as Stanford, and a network of urgent care and surgery centers broaden access to comprehensive care, including a regional Perinatal Diagnostic Center and a busy Emergency Department.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator is a full-time, on-site role based in Salinas, CA. This role provides personalized guidance and support to individuals with cancer and their families throughout the care continuum—from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care. Day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating appointments and referrals, educating patients about treatment options and side effects, facilitating communication between patients, oncology providers, and interdisciplinary teams, and helping address barriers to care such as transportation or financial concerns.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other specialists to ensure timely, evidence-based care and a seamless patient experience. The role also involves documenting patient encounters, tracking outcomes, participating in quality improvement initiatives, and supporting community outreach and survivorship programs.

• Clinical oncology nursing expertise, including comprehensive knowledge of cancer diagnoses, treatments, symptom management, and survivorship care.
• Care coordination and case management skills, with the ability to organize complex treatment plans, manage referrals, and navigate patients through multiple care settings.
• Patient education and counseling skills, including explaining medical information in an accessible way, supporting shared decision‑making, and promoting health literacy.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork and communication skills, with experience collaborating with physicians, advanced practice providers, social workers, and allied health professionals.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical judgment skills for identifying patient needs, prioritizing interventions, and responding to changes in condition.
• Compassionate, trauma-informed approach to care, with demonstrated ability to support individuals and families facing serious illness and emotionally challenging situations.
• Organizational and time management skills, including maintaining accurate documentation, tracking outcomes, and handling multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and adherence to regulatory and safety standards in oncology care.