RN-Oncology Nurse Navigator

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Department 7641 SRCC Medical Oncology-Visalia

Benefits Eligible Full-Time Benefit Eligible Work Shift Day - 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America)

• License/Certification
  
  Required:
  
  CA RN license
• BLS Preferred:
  Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) within 18 months of hire/transfer
• Education Preferred:
  Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare, or related field
• Experience:
  
  Required:
  
  If assigned to Radiation Oncology:
  Minimum two years of experience in Oncology working with cancer patients and their families.
• Experience:
  
  Required:
  
  If assigned to Medical Oncology:
  Minimum three years of clinical nursing experience.
• Preferred:
  If assigned to Radiation Oncology: RN navigator experience
• Preferred:
  If assigned to Medical Oncology:
  Two years of oncology nursing experience; experience in outpatient oncology, infusion services, and care coordination.

• Essential Patient Navigation Serves as the primary point of contact for newly diagnosed oncology patients. Guides patients and families through diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Coordinates appointments, diagnostic testing, consultations, and treatment schedules. Identifies and addresses barriers to care. Bridges gaps in care by assessing/troubleshooting care transitions. Facilitates timely referrals to specialists and supportive services.
• Care Coordination Collaborates with oncology team, providers, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Coordinates multidisciplinary treatment planning and facilitates implementation of tumor board recommendations. Communicates effectively with physicians, patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care. Monitors patient progress throughout the continuum of care. Assesses patient and provider needs and facilitates delivery of high-quality, patient-centered services.
• Patient Education Provides individualized education regarding diagnosis and treatment options, and available resources. Assesses patient understanding, readiness to learn, health literacy, and cultural needs. Reinforces physician treatment plans and support informed decision-making by patients and families. Educates patients and caregivers regarding symptom management and when to seek urgent medical attention.
• Patient Advocacy Advocates for patient preferences, goals, and quality care throughout the care journey. Connects patients with community resources, support groups, nutrition services, rehabilitation, behavioral health, palliative care, financial assistance programs, if applicable. Supports advance care planning discussions when appropriate. Identifies gaps in care and implements strategies to improve coordination and patient outcomes.
• Professional Development Maintains current knowledge of oncology nursing, oncology navigation, and evidence-based cancer care through continuing education and professional development. Practices in accordance with professional nursing standards and legal requirements. Meets annual Oncology Nurse Navigator competencies and performance standards. Participates in multidisciplinary conferences, tumor boards, and other oncology care meetings.

• IF ASSIGNED TO RADIATION ONCOLOGY:
  Maintains navigation software for tracking patient’s lung screenings and incidental findings in the lungs. Is responsible for overseeing…