Oncology Nurse Navigator

Overview:

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. Its also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

Under the direction of the local leadership, the Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) navigates the patient's journey (starting with pre diagnosis) and continues throughout the treatment continuum. In collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, which may include PCP's, surgeons, GYN, GI, oncologists, etc and the entire healthcare team, the ONN supports the oncology patient and facilitates access and timeliness to care. The ONN makes referrals as applicable (not limited to) financial counseling, nutrition, social worker.

A day in the life of an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Hackensack Meridian Health may include:

• Coordinates and navigates outpatient care for oncology patients. Identifies new patients during pre-diagnosis journey and offers navigation services from the beginning of the patient's diagnosis journey to survivorship or end of life
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with the medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, other medical physicians and professionals involved in the patients care
• Establishes communication with physicians, physician extenders and their office staff to outline navigation programs and available resources. Collaborates with the primary medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and/ or oncology surgeon, to act as a resource for the patient and family beginning during initial consultation and continuing through treatment
• Maintains a communication system which ensures comprehensive and timely transmission of information to physicians, nursing staff, and the interdisciplinary team
• Facilitates access to services. Tracks the flow of patients through diagnostic and treatment services. Documents assessment and follow up notes in the patients' medical record via SMART PHRASE (as applicable). Provides monthly report of activity to the Director/RN Manager/designee
• Provides ongoing assessment of patient needs including, but not limited to (and makes referrals as needed) educational, financial, psychosocial, nutritional,and clinical; connects patients and families to available resources within the health system and in the community
• Works collaboratively with the research department
• Participates and prepares for the Tumor Board as needed
• SURVIVORSHIP CARE PLAN - For applicable patients, gathers all information required by the Commission on Cancer and formulates a survivorship care plan at the end of treatment. Distributes and discusses survivorship care plan with the patient and family and other appropriate providers per protocol
• Develops and participates in performance improvement activities and development of guidelines in collaboration with Medical Directors and physician leaders to improve patient outcomes, assures appropriate utilization of resources and increases patient satisfaction
• Participates in department specific committees. Represents patient navigation services at committee meetings. Provides detailed reports on patients served. Ensures all requirements of regulatory standards for patient care are met
• Represents the Cancer Program's services to the community as applicable. Collaborates with marketing for brochures and other marketing materials. Identifies and links patients to available community partners and services. Works with an outreach team to promote service and community awareness

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (Note: this applies to team members hired on or after March 2024)
• Minimum of two years of experience in nursing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Oncology experience preferred but not required

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Oncology Certified Nurse.