Nurse Navigator

JOB SUMMARY

The Oncology Nurse Navigator is a professional registered nurse with oncology-specific clinical knowledge who provides individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome barriers within the healthcare system. Using the nursing process, the navigator educates, advocates, and coordinates care to promote informed decision-making and seamless transitions throughout the cancer continuum.

This position ensures quality and cost-effective care by coordinating services across multiple disciplines in accordance with provider plans, national guidelines, and the scope of nursing practice. The navigator provides direct and indirect care, assists with patient support needs, and fosters collaboration among providers, departments, and community resources to deliver comprehensive, compassionate oncology care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes and maintains relationships with patients from diagnosis through survivorship or end of life.
• Triages complex cases and coordinates referrals to ensure timely, equitable care and appropriate follow-up.
• Assesses patient needs and connects them with local, regional, and national resources.
• Ensures patients understand their plan of care, educates them on next steps, and tracks progress.
• Identifies and addresses barriers to care by coordinating with providers, departments, and external facilities.
• Connects patients to supportive services such as the American Cancer Society, wig and prosthesis programs, and counseling resources.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with internal staff, external providers, and community partners.
• Advocates for patients by ensuring clear communication among the care team and empowering patient participation.
• Creates and delivers individualized teaching plans, evaluating comprehension and reinforcing education on diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle.
• Participates in Tumor Board preparation, attendance, and follow-up activities.
• Contributes to community outreach efforts and educational events to promote awareness of oncology services.
• Monitors patients after therapy completion to ensure appropriate follow-up, surveillance testing, and ongoing support.
• Tracks metrics related to oncology navigation performance and outcomes.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Reads and interprets medical documentation, orders, and care plans.
• Writes reports and maintains accurate documentation in accordance with policy.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and teamwork.
• Maintains familiarity with all departmental and organizational policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Ensures patient and family interactions are professional, compassionate, and consistent with CHN standards.

SHARED VALUES

Service:                We serve with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork:         We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.

Curiosity:            We promote learning.

Integrity:             We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Current unencumbered Oregon Registered Nurse (RN) license (BSN and Oncology Certification preferred).
• Current AHA BLS certification required; ACLS within six months of hire.
• Strong understanding of oncology care and treatment methodologies.
• Preferred experience with chemotherapy infusion and oncology case management.
• Knowledge of medical billing and insurance authorizations.
• Membership in the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators preferred.
• Completion upon hire of the following online training:
• Oncology Navigator Training (14 CEUs)
• Oncology Communication Skills for Navigators

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EMR systems.
• Excellent communication, clinical judgment, and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands.
• Commitment to holistic, patient-centered care.
• Must obtain Oncology Nurse Navigation Certification within three years of navigation experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, hearing, and use of hands.
• Occasional sitting, stooping, or reaching.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Requires visual acuity (close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception).

Work Environment:

• Moderate noise level.
• Occasional exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, chemicals, or mechanical equipment.
• Must be able to hear equipment alarms, patient calls, and instructions.

Repetitive Motions:

• Frequent use of hands, grasping, and fine dexterity required.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) within six months of hire
• Oregon RN License
• FIT Test
• Membership in Oncology Nursing Society
• ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ)

Required Upon Hire:

• Oncology Navigator Training (14 CEUs)
• Oncology Communication Skills for Navigators

Future Requirement:

• Obtain Oncology Nurse Navigation Certification after three years of direct navigation experience.

This is designated as a hard to fill position. Please refer to policy HR-A37