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.

• Patient Navigation & Care Coordination
  • 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.
• Clinical Support & Education
  • 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.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • 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.
• Psychosocial Support & Advocacy
  • 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.
• Quality, Data, & Program Support
  • 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 Qualifications
  • 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.
• Skills & Competencies
  • 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.

• Competitive compensation:…