Oncology Nurse Navigator

Oncology Nurse Navigator Role

As the oncology nurse navigator here at BASS, your purpose is to be a link between cancer patients and their healthcare team, with the intention to support the cancer care process and contribute to providing a positive patient experience. The key responsibilities include:

1. Patient education: Explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and side effects
2. Care coordination: Assist with tracking patient diagnostic and treatment process; facilitating communication between specialists and ancillary providers.
3. Emotional support: Providing counseling referrals and connecting patients with support services
4. Barrier identification: Addressing obstacles to care, such as transportation or financial issues
5. Treatment monitoring: Tracking patient progress and supporting patients in the successful completion of treatment recommendations.
6. Resource provision: Offering information on community resources and support groups
7. Advocacy: Ensuring patients' needs and preferences are communicated to the healthcare team and their caregivers.
8. Patient identification and retention: Working with other providers to identify patients who will potentially receive treatment at the cancer center and guiding them to our providers and services.

Requirements

Oncology Nurse Navigator Role

1. Day-to-Day Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct initial patient assessments of patient needs
• Attend huddles and multidisciplinary patient consultations
• Update and maintain patient records
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
• Respond to patient inquiries via phone or email
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives

2. Patient Education

• Explain cancer diagnoses using easy-to-understand language
• Discuss treatment options, including potential risks and benefits
• Educating on side effect management and self-care strategies
• Provide information on clinical trials when appropriate
• Teach patients how to navigate the healthcare system effectively

3. Care Coordination

• Assist in coordination of appointments across various specialties
• Ensure smooth transitions between different phases of care
• Facilitate communication between primary care physicians, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists
• Assist in coordination of necessary diagnostic tests and follow-ups

4. Emotional Support

• Provide one-on-one counseling and referrals to patients and families
• Offer guidance on coping strategies for dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Facilitate support group contact or connect patients with existing groups
• Provide resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Offer end-of-life care discussions and support when necessary

5. Barrier Identification and Resolution

• Assess patients for potential barriers to care (e.g., financial, transportation, cultural, linguistic) and provide appropriate referrals
• Assist in coordination of transportation services or provide information on available options

6. Treatment Monitoring

• Track patient progress throughout the treatment journey
• Monitor for treatment-related side effects and complications
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to adjust care plans as needed
• Ensure patients are adhering to treatment regimens
• Facilitate symptom management through education and referrals

7. Resource Provision

• Maintain an up-to-date database of community resources
• Provide information on support services (e.g., nutrition counseling, physical therapy, pain management)
• Offer guidance on complementary therapies and integrative medicine options
• Provide educational materials tailored to each patient's needs and preferences

8. Patient Advocacy

• Represent patient interests and preferences in multidisciplinary team meetings
• Ensure patients understand their rights and treatment options
• Facilitate shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers
• Address any concerns or complaints patients may have about their care

EDUCATION / TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED

- High School or GED

- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing as a Registered Nurse.

- Knowledge and experience with case management of acute and complex patients.

- Ability to make independent judgments based on clinical knowledge and experience required in planning for short, immediate, and long-term goals and options.

- BSN Degree


- Possession of a current California RN license.


- CPR Certification.


PREFERRED

- Knowledge of care/services provided in differing levels of care, i.e., ambulatory, and institutional settings, community-based resources, SNF, Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care.

- Analytical skills to identify and obtain pertinent data from multiple sources and work with culturally diverse patients and families with multiple needs or disabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk or working on a computer.

• Prolonged periods of standing and bending.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Hourly Range - $80 - $97