Oncology Navigator - Full time

Job Description

The role of an Oncology Navigator is to help guide a patient through the healthcare system. This includes helping with screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer. The Oncology Navigator helps patients communicate with their healthcare providers, ensuring they receive the necessary information to make informed decisions about their health care. Navigators may also assist patients in setting up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests, and provide financial, legal, and social support. They may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and other stakeholders who can affect a patient’s healthcare needs. The role involves overcoming health care system barriers and providing timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care from before cancer diagnosis through all phases of the cancer experience. Depending on assignments, the role may also involve coordinating specialized programs for at-risk populations, such as Low Dose Lung Cancer (LDCT), Every Woman’s Life (EWL), and Survivorship Care Planning.

Responsibilities

• Helps patients navigate the healthcare system, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer.
• Communicates with healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the information they need.
• Assists patients in setting up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests.
• Provides financial, legal, and social support to patients.
• Works with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others who can affect a patient’s healthcare needs.
• Overcomes health care system barriers and provides timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care.
• Coordinates specialized programs for at-risk populations, such as Low Dose Lung Cancer (LDCT), Every Woman’s Life (EWL), and Survivorship Care Planning.
• Serves as a liaison between the care team and patient/family, providing education and appropriate materials.
• Promotes continuity of care by assisting with treatment transitions.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and participates in cancer case conferences (tumor boards).
• Aids in care coordination, assisting with referrals within and outside the cancer center.
• Identifies and eliminates barriers to care, such as transportation, financial, insurance, and psychosocial factors.
• Uses distress screening tools to assess patient needs and respond to concerns.
• Documents in appropriate electronic medical records (EPIC, ARIA, IKNOWMED) and records productivity in PN-BOT navigation statistic system.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to the community, focusing on prevention and screening, and may cover a variety of oncology-related topics.
• Creates and pursues a personal development plan, setting goals for self and team.
• Performs performance improvement projects as assigned and/or identified.
• Self-evaluates using the ONN Matrix, contributes to programmatic growth, and provides regular updates to leadership.
• Networks effectively with both internal and external contacts, building knowledge and connecting with resources significant to patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Experience with oncology patients preferred, 3 to 5 years.
• Registered Nurse with current VA license required.
• Smoking cessation certification required or obtain within one year of hire.
• Navigation certification (e.g., AONN) required or obtain within four (4) years of hire.
• BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) - American Heart 'Healthcare Provider' (HCP) - AHA approved required.
• New hires must have American Heart Association (AHA) appropriate certification prior to completion of orientation.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.

Benefits

• Zero-Deductible Health Plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance
• Retail Savings Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts to on-campus dining
• Healthy U: An Incentive-Based Wellness Program
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Professional Development