Oncology Nurse Navigator
U.S. Urology Partners•Syracuse, NY
•Onsite
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
- Minimum of 3–5 years of oncology nursing experience (inpatient, outpatient, or infusion)
- Demonstrated knowledge of oncology care, treatment modalities, and the cancer continuum
- 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
Nice To Haves
- MSN preferred
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®)
- Certified Nurse Navigator – Oncology (CNN-ONC) or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
- HSA / FSA
- 401(k) matching
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
