The Nurse Navigator is a registered nurse oncology specialist who coordinates and guides patients across the continuum of care. This role partners with patients, families, physicians, and an interdisciplinary team to support informed treatment decisions, reduce barriers to care, and ensure a seamless, high-quality patient experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and navigate oncology care from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, survivorship, and follow-up.
- Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, procedures, and side-effect management; connect them with available support resources.
- Facilitate communication and referrals among providers, infusion services, imaging departments, and specialty/support teams.
- Assist with individualized care planning in collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team.
- Support transitions of care by coordinating appointments, referrals, and care handoffs.
- Monitor patient progress, identify barriers, and proactively address needs.
- Provide emotional support and help patients access community and financial assistance resources.
- Maintain accurate documentation in clinical systems and track outcomes/quality metrics to support evidence-based practice.
- Serve as a clinical resource for patients, families, providers, and staff.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Current RN license in the state of practice.
- Nursing experience.
- BLS certification.
- Preferred: BSN; oncology/infusion/care coordination/case management/nurse navigator experience; OCN certification or willingness; chemotherapy/biotherapy experience; ACLS certification.
Skills/Abilities
- Advanced clinical knowledge and strong communication and coordination skills.
- Compassionate patient advocacy and ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency with documentation and tracking patient outcomes.