Oncology Nurse Navigator (RN), GI Oncology

Stanford Health Care•Palo Alto, CA

2d•$82 - $108•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oncology Nurse Navigator is a licensed nurse with experience in cancer clinical care coordination and care management. The position optimizes care coordination, patient experience, and clinical outcomes by providing nurse-led navigation throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis to survivorship. The Navigator collaborates with physicians and their clinical teams, including patient care coordinators, patient financial counselors, clinical research coordinators, social workers, genetic counselors, and other supportive care specialists in the cancer service line. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the Navigator triages clinical and supportive care needs and connects patients with services that support holistic care throughout the continuum. The role builds trusting relationships with patients and caregivers, advocates for patients’ clinical care, and connects the teams involved in their care. Navigation activities are monitored to support shared decision-making, patient engagement, needs assessment, and communication aligned with patients’ values and preferences. This is a hybrid position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with approximately four onsite days and one remote day based on clinic needs. There are no evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university.
At least 5 years of registered nurse experience.
At least 2–3 years of experience as a registered nurse in oncology.
California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Clinical knowledge of disease processes, clinical trial information, symptom management, and appropriate cancer care services.
Knowledge of overall cancer disease processes and treatment.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to manage group processes and build effective working relationships.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to implement professional and community-based education programs.
Experience with MS Office.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Organization, attention to detail, and strong follow-through abilities.

Nice To Haves

MS or MSN degree.
Experience with nurse navigation and/or ambulatory oncology case management.
Knowledge of adult learning styles and teaching methods, with ability to deliver educational programs to staff and the community.
Experience with Epic EMR.
Ability to integrate patient care with other interdisciplinary health care team members and provide direction or guidance to non-licensed personnel in the assigned area to ensure quality care.
Ability to develop materials involving graphics and tables.
Oncology Nurse Certification (OCN).
Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS).

Responsibilities

Ensure clinical care meets National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and/or Stanford clinical care pathways, including consideration of clinical trials available across the Cancer Destination Service Line network.
Assess patients’ education needs and provide disease-specific information about clinical trials, treatment options, symptom management, and supportive care programs.
Address clinical and health-system barriers to care and arrange services for at-risk populations identified through nurse navigation tracking tools; collaborate with social work and nutrition on environmental barriers affecting adherence to cancer care pathways, as appropriate.
Facilitate communication among cancer clinical care team members and provide one-on-one oncology nurse navigation addressing the mental, emotional, and physical needs of patients, caregivers, and families.
Focus on clinically oriented referrals, second opinions, outside testing, local treatment options, and community supportive care options.
Provide clinical care and educational materials in a culturally appropriate manner and facilitate services to meet the cultural needs of patients and families.
Screen and assess patients for distress and refer them to appropriate Cancer Destination Service Line or community support services.
Perform strategic patient touchpoints from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and/or palliation in accordance with NCCN and Stanford quality guidelines implemented by the Cancer Destination Service Line.
Support accreditation requirements within Cancer Destination Service Line cancer centers and work with the accreditation team to ensure quality standards are met, including CoC, NAPBC, and QOPI.
Represent Stanford Cancer Destination Service Line and serve as a liaison to academies and associations, including AONN, ACCC, and ONS.