Description:
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:
-
Patient education: Explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and side effects
-
Care coordination: Assist with tracking patient diagnostic and treatment process; facilitating communication between specialists and ancillary providers.
-
Emotional support: Providing counseling referrals and connecting patients with support services
-
Barrier identification: Addressing obstacles to care, such as transportation or financial issues
-
Treatment monitoring: Tracking patient progress and supporting patients in the successful completion of treatment recommendations.
-
Resource provision: Offering information on community resources and support groups
-
Advocacy: Ensuring patients' needs and preferences are communicated to the healthcare team and their caregivers.
-
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
