Oncology Research Navigator

Community Health Network•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Oncology Research Navigator manages oncology research communications and referrals, supports clinical study operations, and navigates patients and caregivers through research protocols and the cancer care continuum. The role works with providers and other members of the health care team to assess potential study eligibility, coordinate protocol-related care, and support optimal patient outcomes. The position reports to the Oncology Research Manager. Individuals may not perform all listed duties and may perform additional related duties.

Requirements

A four-year/bachelor’s degree in nursing, science, or clinical research is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the stated education requirement.
At least 2 years of relevant experience in clinical research, oncology, and/or a nursing position related to the area of specialty.
Obtain Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC-ACRP) certification within three years from hire.
Ability to demonstrate critical clinical thinking related to qualification for research studies.
Mastery of clinical communication with internal and external physician providers.
Skills in collaboration, delegation, negotiation, and management of resources.
Commitment and motivation as a member of the research and cancer care team.
Performance consistent with professional standards of Clinical Research and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Nice To Haves

Navigation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor and manage the Oncology Research inbox and phone line; answer patient questions, provide research education, and manage referrals.
Assist the team with study drug requests, completion of SAE reporting, and study activities as needed.
Attend and collaborate at assigned Tumor Board Conference.
Present enrolling studies relevant to the Tumor Board specialty, explaining the rationale, study drug mechanism of action, and appropriate patient population.
Review patients’ medical and medication histories before meetings to determine whether they meet protocol-specific criteria and may qualify for study enrollment.
Collaborate with appropriate health care team members to support prompt and accurate implementation of research study protocols.
Identify team needs and communicate operational, practice, educational, equipment, interpersonal, or specialized-skill issues to the Manager.
Complete clinical study start-up activities, including developing Fast Facts, device set-up, and documents.
Manage new patient referrals to the oncology research team from within and outside the Network.
Review pertinent studies with providers to determine patient eligibility and schedule patients appropriately.
Establish therapeutic relationships with patients and caregivers to focus interactively on individualized needs and plans of care across study protocols.
Connect with patients at pivotal points in care delivery; provide input regarding protocol-based patient care and document it in the patient chart.
Attend or coordinate patient visits to facilitate scheduling of visits, scans, labs, and other necessary referrals or procedures.
Evaluate patient outcomes through documentation in the patient chart as they relate to the protocol.
Provide input on treatment-plan revisions, including variances, outcomes, and customer feedback.
Use in-depth interviewing and advanced assessment techniques to determine whether potential patients qualify for clinical research study enrollment.
Manage study participant care in clinical research trials and across the cancer care continuum to achieve optimum outcomes.
Demonstrate critical clinical thinking about qualification for research studies and communicate effectively with internal and external physician providers.
Collaborate, delegate, negotiate, and manage resources as part of the Clinical Research role.
Contribute as a motivated member of the research and cancer care team and perform in accordance with professional standards and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as organizational mission and goals.