About the role
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