Registered Nurse - Radiation Oncology Navigator

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Louis, MO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Radiation Oncology Navigator Registered Nurse (RN) delivers competent, evidence-based nursing care throughout the cancer care continuum and oversees age-appropriate patient care. The RN coordinates care for Veterans, families, and caregivers, helping them access appropriate services for complex health care needs across VA and community providers, care levels, and settings. The role emphasizes education, self-management, patient satisfaction, continuity of care, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

The Navigator coordinates a patient’s progression from initial suspicion of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship or surveillance, and palliative or end-of-life care. The RN ensures diagnostic and treatment steps are scheduled and completed in alignment with the care plan, advocates for holistic, patient-centered care, and contributes to quality improvement and customer service initiatives. This is a non-virtual position with a Monday–Friday schedule; ad-hoc telework is available.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduation from an appropriately accredited school of professional nursing, or qualifying equivalent education under the stated VA provisions.
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse licensure in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; the announcement describes a temporary Graduate Nurse Technician exception for eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
• Meet the applicable VA Nurse grade and level requirements for education and professional nursing experience.
• One full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or territory.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Selected applicants must complete required onboarding and pre-employment requirements, including applicable background/security investigation and drug screening for testing-designated positions.

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of Radiation Oncology nursing experience and/or at least 2 years of Nurse Navigator, Nurse Coordinator, or Care Coordination experience.
• Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN®), or willingness to obtain it within a specified timeframe.
• Knowledge of radiation therapy treatments, side effect management, and oncology patient navigation.
• Experience coordinating care for patients across the cancer continuum.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Experience using electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the patient’s progression from initial suspicion of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship or surveillance, and palliative or end-of-life care.
• Ensure diagnostic and treatment steps are scheduled, completed, and aligned with the overall plan of care.
• Collaborate with internal and external referral sources to support compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Anticipate patient needs and implement preventive care measures.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, interpret clinical data, and identify age-specific care requirements.
• Provide education, guidance, and support to patients and caregivers, addressing psychosocial, medical, and nursing needs with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Develop individualized plans of care and tailor educational interventions to patient needs.
• Monitor service needs, identify system barriers, and contribute to process improvements.
• Evaluate patient outcomes to support timely, appropriate, and effective delivery of services.
• Advocate for holistic, patient-centered care through ongoing communication with patients, families, and providers.
• Apply evidence-based practice, offer constructive feedback to peers, and foster professional development.
• Represent the nursing perspective in interdisciplinary discussions and collaborate with team members to support change and optimize outcomes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, regular salary increases, and potential performance awards.
• 50 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting.
• Federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree