Job Summary

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) is a registered nurse who provides individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers and facilitate timely access to high-quality cancer care across the continuum. The ONN serves as a clinical guide, educator, advocate, and coordinator from cancer screening or diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. This role emphasizes patient-centered care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Navigation & Care Coordination

• Provide personalized navigation services to patients from abnormal cancer screening or diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or palliative care
• Assess patient needs (medical, psychosocial, financial, logistical, cultural, and educational) and identify barriers to care
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, specialist consultations, treatments, and supportive services to ensure timely care
• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and families, offering continuity throughout the cancer journey

Clinical Support & Education

• Provide disease-specific education regarding diagnosis, staging, treatment options, clinical trials, side effects, and symptom management
• Reinforce provider instructions and assist patients in understanding complex medical information
• Promote shared decision-making and informed consent
• Monitor treatment tolerance, identify urgent symptoms, and facilitate appropriate clinical escalation

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, financial counselors, dietitians, genetic counselors, and rehabilitation services
• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and care conferences as appropriate
• Communicate patient needs, preferences, and concerns to the care team

Psychosocial Support & Advocacy

• Provide emotional support, counseling, and reassurance to patients and families
• Facilitate referrals to supportive services, including social work, financial assistance, transportation, nutritional counseling, and community resources
• Advocate for patients to reduce disparities and improve equity in cancer care

Quality, Data, & Program Support

• Track navigation metrics such as timeliness of care, barriers addressed, and patient outcomes
• Support quality improvement initiatives and accreditation standards (e.g., Commission on Cancer, NAPBC)
• Document navigation activities accurately in the electronic health record
• Participate in program development, community outreach, and cancer education initiatives

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required (MSN preferred)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of oncology nursing experience (inpatient, outpatient, or infusion)
• Demonstrated knowledge of oncology care, treatment modalities, and the cancer continuum

Preferred Certifications

• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®)
• Certified Nurse Navigator – Oncology (CNN-ONC) or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient-education abilities
• High level of emotional intelligence and cultural competence
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize effectively
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources
• Proficiency with electronic health records and data tracking tools
• Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care

Work Environment & Schedule

• Typically based in outpatient cancer centers, clinics, or hospital settings
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility based on patient and program needs
• Minimal direct patient lifting; role emphasizes coordination, education, and support

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to: Director of Cancer Operations

Performance Measures

• Timeliness from diagnosis to treatment
• Patient satisfaction and experience outcomes
• Reduction in barriers to care
• Compliance with accreditation and quality standards
• Effectiveness of care coordination and communication