Oncology Navigator

The role of an Oncology Navigator is to help guide a patient through the healthcare system. This includes help going through the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer. The Oncology Navigator helps patients communicate with their healthcare providers so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care. Navigator may also help patients set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and get financial, legal, and social support. They may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others who may have an effect on a patient’s healthcare needs.

The process of Oncology Navigation helps patients overcome health care system barriers and providing them with timely access to quality medical and psychosocial care from before cancer diagnosis through all phases of their cancer experience. The role and process of oncology navigation, depending on assignments, may also involve responsibilities to coordinate specialized programs designed to serve at-risk populations for developing cancer to include, but not be limited to, Low Dose Lung Cancer (LDCT), Every Woman's Life (EWL) and Survivorship Care Planning.

Supports and advocates for patients and their families throughout the care continuum. Serves as a liaison between the care team and patient/family.

Provides education and appropriate material to patient/family. Is knowledgeable on where to direct patient to credible (American Cancer Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, etc.) internet sites for information. Promotes continuity of care by assisting, as needed, with treatment transitions.

Collaborates with multidisciplinary team and adds value by actively participating in cancer case conferences (tumor boards) and case discussions.

Provides care coordination services to include assisting with referrals within the cancer center, facilitating referrals outside of the cancer center, and prioritizes referral workflow to ensure timely access to care.

Identifies and eliminates barriers to care to include, but not be limited to, transportation, financial, insurance, and/or psychosocial factors.

Effectively uses distress screening tools to gauge needs and response to concerns.

Assesses patient symptoms and reports needs and/or concerns to providers on care team.

Effectively documents in appropriate electronic medical record (EPIC, ARIA, IKNOWMED) and records productivity in PN-BOT navigation statistic system.

Effectively prepares and delivers presentations to the community, generally focused on prevention and screening, however may also focus on a variety of oncology related topics.

Creates and actively pursues a personal development plan to include goal setting for self and team. Performs performance improvement projects as assigned and/or identified. Does self evaluation using ONN Matrix, contributes to programmatic growth and provides regular updates to leadership.

Effectively networks with both internal and external contacts, building knowledge and personal ability to connect with resources significant to patient care.

Education

Associates Nursing (RN Diploma, ASN or ADN) required

Bachelors Nursing (BSN) preferred

Experience

3 to 5 Years working with oncology patients required

Certification & Licensures

Registered Nurse with current VA license required

Smoking Cessation certification required or obtain within one year of hire

Navigation certification (e.g., AONN) required or obtain within four (4) years of hire-required

BLS Certification (Basic Life Support) - American Heart ‘Healthcare Provider’ (HCP) - AHA approved required*

* New hires must have American Heart Association (AHA) appropriate certification prior to completion of orientation.

Qualifications

Ability to perform data analysis to assist with the goal of identifying strategies to increase the number of people who complete screenings, follow up visits, in-treatment and/or post-treatment visits- required

Ability to work with groups to improve quality of life for people going through the care continuum: Prevention & Risk Reduction, Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, Survivorship, Supportive (Palliative) Care and/or End of Life- required