Oncology Nurse Navigator for Breast Cancer - Life With Cancer

Inova • Fairfax, VA

1d • $92,934 - $151,483 • Onsite

About The Position

Life With Cancer is seeking a dedicated Oncology Nurse Navigator for breast cancer to join the team at Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax. This is a full-time, exempt, day-shift position working Monday through Friday.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator provides safe, therapeutic, holistic care across the hospital, community, and continuum of care for past, current, and potential cancer patients. The navigator guides patients and families from diagnosis through testing, treatment, follow-up, and survivorship; serves as a liaison, advocate, and point of contact; and helps patients access appropriate services and achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes. The role may include helping patients and families address financial, psychosocial, functional, and administrative concerns through guidance and referrals.

The navigator provides emotional support, counseling, clinical education, resources, and expert guidance so patients and families can understand and participate meaningfully in care and personal decision-making. The role also facilitates and oversees patient care delivery and relevant program development under the direction of the department manager, in collaboration with the Life With Cancer Director and oncology colleagues.

Inova is a nonprofit healthcare provider with more than 26,000 team members. It describes itself as a national leader in healthcare safety, quality, and patient experience and offers professional development opportunities and team member benefits.

Requirements

• Three to five years of progressive clinical nursing experience with primary care management of the patient population.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• Obtain oncology certification within two years of employment.
• Strong oncology knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of managed care.
• Working knowledge of insurance coverage and procedures.
• Working knowledge of community resources and understanding of healthcare facilities and processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Previous oncology experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide patients and families through diagnosis, testing, treatment, follow-up, and survivorship across the healthcare system.
• Coordinate patient care plans, answer questions about disease and care plans, assist with scheduling and referrals when appropriate, and provide community resources, education, and advocacy.
• Connect patients with internal and external community and family services for screening, diagnostic treatment, clinical research, support services, and follow-up care; refer cases to appropriate resources.
• Facilitate seamless care across the health system and coordinate care plans with multidisciplinary teams, promoting timely follow-up on treatment and supportive care recommendations.
• Facilitate individualized care that considers functional status, culture, health literacy, psychosocial needs, reproductive and fertility needs, and spiritual needs.
• Promote culturally sensitive, timely communication and care coordination, and support access to resources and follow-through on healthcare recommendations.
• Document, track, and monitor patient data; contribute to quality improvement; and manage caseload assignments and complex cases.
• Anticipate patient needs, advocate for patient rights and appropriate service utilization, and promote patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
• Help patients and families address financial, psychosocial, functional, and administrative issues by explaining options and making referrals.
• Maintain liaison relationships among patients, attending physicians, and other medical team members.
• Build trusting relationships with patients, families, and caregivers and provide individual and group education on treatment options, community resources, and self-care.
• Provide psychosocial support and appropriate referrals, particularly during periods of emotional stress and anxiety; encourage patients to engage in care planning and decision-making.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about diagnosis, treatment options, side-effect management, clinical trials, post-treatment care, and survivorship.
• Promote healthcare programs to community resources, including developing written materials and giving public presentations related to patient care and research.
• Co-facilitate at least one disease-specific support group in the area of expertise and participate in relevant cancer-care community outreach.
• Assess patients' health and psychosocial needs and develop care plans with healthcare providers, patients, and their support systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address questions about care processes and treatment options, educate healthcare delivery team members, and serve as a clinical consultant.
• Support patient satisfaction with the integrated care model and access to appropriate care and facilities; provide a single point of contact and referrals to support and ancillary services.
• Promote lifelong learning and evidence-based practice, and collaborate with physicians and support staff to reduce unnecessary hospital, emergency department, and clinic visits and improve treatment adherence through education and follow-up.
• Obtain and maintain oncology nursing certification.
• Contribute to the healthcare community's knowledge through professional organizations, presentations, publications, and research.
• Share knowledge of the Oncology Nurse Navigator role through peer education, mentoring, and precepting; orient, mentor, and guide novice Oncology Nurse Navigators.
• Collaborate with cancer program administration and the cancer committee on strategies to meet American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and other relevant accreditation requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Team member wellness program.
• Retirement plan matching the first 5% of eligible contributions, starting on the first day.
• Education assistance of up to $5,250 per year.
• Student loan assistance of up to $10,000.
• Up to 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions per person per year at no cost for team members, their spouses or partners, and their children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level