RN-Oncology Nurse Navigator

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time Benefit Eligible

Work Shift

Day - 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America)

Department

7641 SRCC Medical Oncology-Visalia

The Oncology Nurse Navigator serves as the primary point of contact for patients throughout the continuum of cancer care, providing coordination, education, advocacy, and clinical support. The navigator collaborates with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure timely access to quality care, reduces barriers to care, and promotes positive patient outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

License/Certification

Required:

CA RN license

BLS

Preferred: Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) within 18 months of hire/transfer

Education

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare, or related field

Experience:

Required:

If assigned to Radiation Oncology: Minimum two years of experience in Oncology working with cancer patients and their families.

If assigned to Medical Oncology: Minimum three years of clinical nursing experience.

Preferred:

If assigned to Radiation Oncology: RN navigator experience

If assigned to Medical Oncology: Two years of oncology nursing experience; experience in outpatient oncology, infusion services, and care coordination.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

Patient Navigation

Serves as the primary point of contact for newly diagnosed oncology patients.

Guides patients and families through diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care.

Coordinates appointments, diagnostic testing, consultations, and treatment schedules.

Identifies and addresses barriers to care. Bridges gaps in care by assessing/troubleshooting care transitions.  

Facilitates timely referrals to specialists and supportive services.

Care Coordination

Collaborates with oncology team, providers, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Coordinates multidisciplinary treatment planning and facilitates implementation of tumor board recommendations.

Communicates effectively with physicians, patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care.

Monitors patient progress throughout the continuum of care.

Assesses patient and provider needs and facilitate delivery of high-quality, patient-centered services.

Patient Education

Provides individualized education regarding diagnosis and treatment options, and available resources.

Assesses patient understanding, readiness to learn, health literacy, and cultural needs.

Reinforces physician treatment plans and support informed decision-making by patients and families.

Educates patients and caregivers regarding symptom management and when to seek urgent medical attention.

Patient Advocacy

Advocates for patient preferences, goals, and quality care throughout the care journey.

Connects patients with community resources, support groups, nutrition services, rehabilitation, behavioral health, palliative care, financial assistance programs, if applicable.

Supports advance care planning discussions when appropriate.

Identifies gaps in care and implements strategies to improve coordination and patient outcomes.

Professional Development

Maintains current knowledge of oncology nursing, oncology navigation, and evidence-based cancer care through continuing education and professional development.

Practices in accordance with professional nursing standards and legal requirements.

Meets annual Oncology Nurse Navigator competencies and performance standards.

Participates in multidisciplinary conferences, tumor boards, and other oncology care meetings.

Addendum (essential for specific dept)

IF ASSIGNED TO RADIATION ONCOLOGY:

Maintains navigation software for tracking patient’s lung screenings and incidental findings in the lungs. Is responsible for overseeing the gathering of required information for the screening program.

Maintains navigation services documentation according to program standards.

Coordinates follow-up testing for lung screening patients with referring physicians, specialty clinics, and diagnostic services.

Works in conjunction with SRCC oncology team and serves as a consistent point of contact for patients and families throughout lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Attends cancer center chart rounds in addition to multidisciplinary tumor board meetings.

IF ASSIGNED TO MEDICAL ONCOLOGY:

Collaborates with medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, radiology, infusion services, and primary care providers.

Assists with transitions between inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation, hospice, and survivorship services.

Identifies and addresses barriers to care including transportation, financial concerns, language, and psychosocial needs.

Clinical Support:

Performs nursing assessments as appropriate.

Monitors treatment-related symptoms and intervenes according to clinical protocols.

Triages patient concerns via telephone or electronic communication.

Educates patients regarding symptom management and when to seek urgent medical care. Provides individualized education regarding medications, side effects, symptom management, and survivorship.

Promotes adherence to treatment plans.

Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

$46.44 -$69.66

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.