Oncology Nurse Navigator

RN- Oncology Nurse Navigator for Thoracic/Head and Neck Oncology

We are seeking a responsible, self-motivated individual to join our UNC Cancer team as a Nurse Navigator!

In this role, you will be a vital member of the patient's interdisciplinary team guiding them through their cancer care journey.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule consisting of a combination of remote and in-person responsibilities.

An experienced RN is needed to facilitate the treatment plan and help the oncology patient transition from the inpatient setting to the outpatient setting, as well as diagnosis through treatment to survivorship or end of life.

An oncology nurse navigator (ONN) is a professional Registered Nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge who offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers as a guide through the healthcare system.

The navigator provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.

In addition to facilitating timely complex coordination of appointments, diagnostic testing and procedures, the navigator is responsible for identifying potential and realized challenges with care and facilitating referrals as appropriate to mitigate barriers and expedite the plan of care.

The ONN assesses patients' current health practices, identifies health problems, determines the degree of compliance and problems complying with the prescribed treatment plan, and provides appropriate documentation.

By analyzing data from patient interviews, chart reviews, and physical assessments, the ONN helps to determine individualized nursing care needs including direct care and referral for additional departments/physicians for new and ongoing management.

Navigators must be compassionate while possessing excellent verbal and written communication, strong organizational/prioritization skills as well as the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively with healthcare teams. Basic working knowledge of managed care, insurance coverage, procedures, and community resources is preferred, but can be learned. Prior Epic experience is helpful, but not required. Preference will be given to applicants with at least 5 years of Oncology Nursing experience.

Each patient has an assigned nurse navigator to oversee their diagnosis and treatment, help them get their needs met, and serve as their personal resource. The specific purpose of the nurse navigator is 1) to expedite and facilitate access to initial and ongoing care in our system, 2) to personalize the care our patients receive, 3) to provide a single gateway for our patients to minimize confusion over communication and 4) to provide a consistent contact for our patients from diagnosis to survivorship.

Responsibilities include ensuring continuity of communication between a patient's various care providers, conducting patient care duties, and providing programmatic leadership.

Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) from a state-accredited school of professional nursing. In lieu of bachelor's degree, candidate may possess ADN but will be required to enroll in a BSN program within 4 years, and obtained BSN within 7 years.

Licensure/Certification Requirements: Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina. OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse) or ONN (Oncology Nurse Navigator) Certification required or must be obtained with 3 years of hire date. Until certification requirements are met, candidate must complete required hours of oncology related annual training as specified by accreditation standards. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification Professional Experience Requirements: Two (2) years of nursing experience and one (1) year related experience.