Oncology Nurse Navigator -Palliative Care

NECS is a private medical practice composed of 15 oncologists and hematologists, serving Maine and the surrounding region from four locations. The practice is nationally recognized as one of 12 Oncology Medical Homes in the U.S. and the first private practice to join the Dana Farber Care Collaborative. NECS brings together top clinicians, researchers, and dedicated medical professionals to create the best possible experience for patients.

About the role

This full-time, 32-hour position is a critical part of the Supportive and Palliative Care Team, dedicated to direct patient care and providing supportive and palliative services for hematology/oncology patients. The successful candidate will work with the treatment team and patients to develop strategies for symptom and pain management, collaborating with physicians, advanced practice providers, clinic managers, and other team members in daily clinical operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and collaborate with interdisciplinary team(s) to apply clinical guidelines and treatment protocols for symptom management, pain management, and improvement of patient care in an outpatient setting.
• Draw blood from ports, central lines, and peripheral IV access; perform other procedures as needed.
• Follow up with patients the day after office visits to assess symptom management results.
• Regularly reach out to patients and families involved in palliative care and hospice settings.
• Screen patients using tools like the Dashboard and review hospitalized patients for follow-up on discharge.
• Review urgent care visits from weekends to better address patient palliative needs.
• Handle script refills, prior authorizations, and referrals to hospice and home care.
• Ensure smooth execution of all practice nursing policies, procedures, and systems.
• Assist physicians and conduct patient assessments; maintain patient care standards.
• Initiate and document appropriate interventions; evaluate and record patient/family responses within practice protocols.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team conferences, in-services, continuing education programs, and community-sponsored programs specific to oncology, hematology, and palliative/hospice care.
• Coordinate patient care responsibilities within the scope of the practice for licensed and unlicensed healthcare providers.
• Perform nursing assessments and triage patient care needs over the phone and in the office.
• Demonstrate respect for the life, dignity, and rights of all persons.
• Assist in applying national standards and guidelines for quality assessment to enhance patient care.
• Act as a patient advocate in coordinating ACP referrals, assessing readiness for and understanding of the ACP process, and providing guidance as appropriate.
• Provide clinic coverage as needed to cover vacations and other providers.
• Participate in weekend urgent care coverage 4-5 times per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing required.
• Licensed nurse within the State of Maine required.
• 2+ years of professional nursing experience required.
• Hematology/oncology experience preferred.
• ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Certification required within 6 months of hire.
• OCN certification required within 1 year of hire or when eligible based on ONCC criteria.
• Palliative, hospice, or supportive nursing experience preferred.
• Hospice Palliative Nursing Care Certification preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and staff.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities.

Pay

Yearly salary: $65,800 to $115,000.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Generous paid time off.
• Company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) benefits, including reimbursement for tuition costs, examination fees, and time off for CME events and exams. The company also covers reasonable travel, lodging, registration costs, and meals if needed.
• Fun events and appreciation activities organized by NECS’s Activities and Engagement committee throughout the year.