Unclassified

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Weymouth, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Weymouth, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and other Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) locations plays a crucial role in providing individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers navigating the complexities of cancer care. Reporting to the Satellite Nurse Manager or Director, the ONN utilizes their oncology-specific clinical knowledge to help patients overcome barriers within the healthcare system. This position is integral to ensuring that patients receive timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. The ONN is responsible for various nursing aspects of the program, including clinical care, telephone triage, symptom management, and patient education. They also monitor and follow up with patients, ensuring that their needs are met effectively. The ONN position supports DFCI's satellite locations and requires regular travel to sites such as DFCI Brighton, Milford, Foxborough, and South Shore. The role allows for a partially remote work opportunity, with the geographic location determining the individual's home base. This full-time position typically involves working five 8-hour days per week, primarily at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and potentially other DFCI locations. The ONN is expected to facilitate individualized care that considers the functional status, cultural background, health literacy, and psychosocial needs of patients and their families. They act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, advocating for patient-centered care and promoting shared decision-making. In addition to direct patient care responsibilities, the ONN contributes to the development and evaluation of the navigation program within the healthcare system and community. They participate in tracking metrics and outcomes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining evidence-based clinical practices. The ONN also plays a role in professional development, identifying areas for growth, participating in shared governance, and supporting research activities within the nursing and patient care services. This position fosters a culture of inclusion and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the patient population, aligning with Dana-Farber's mission to provide compassionate care to all individuals.

Responsibilities

• Assumes nursing care responsibilities for a defined group of patients within the program, including assessment, education, coordination, and documentation.
• Facilitates individualized care considering functional status, cultural considerations, health literacy, psychosocial, reproductive/fertility, and spiritual needs.
• Provides a welcoming approach to new DFCI patients and promotes a positive professional image.
• Supports a smooth transition of patients from diagnosis and active treatment into survivorship, chronic cancer management, or end-of-life care.
• Assists patients with issues related to treatment goals, advanced directives, palliative care, and end-of-life concerns using an ethical framework.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and providers to optimize outcomes.
• Advocates for patient-centered care that includes shared decision-making and patient goals of care.
• Provides psychosocial support and facilitates appropriate referrals for patients, families, and caregivers.
• Contributes to ONN program and role development, implementation, and evaluation within the healthcare system and community.
• Participates in day-to-day operations of the satellite program and tracks metrics and outcomes in collaboration with administration.
• Functions as the primary nursing contact for care delivered within the satellite setting and collaborates with nursing professionals.
• Evaluates patient care in the program and collaborates with other disciplines for clinical decision-making.
• Manages patient care across the continuum, making appropriate referrals as necessary.
• Works collaboratively as an effective member of the healthcare team.
• Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies and standards.
• Provides care based on age-specific needs of the patient population served.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses in all aspects of professional practice.
• Complies with accepted standards of professional nursing practice and licensure requirements.

Requirements

• Licensed as a registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or New Hampshire as appropriate.
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing strongly preferred; if associate degree in nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years.
• Minimum of 1-year recent experience as an RN.
• Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred.
• Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC).
• AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum requirement).
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and independent decision-making.
• Ability to function in a busy work setting with patients with complex needs.
• Ability to put patients at ease while efficiently collecting data required by phone.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with teams across diverse settings.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a cancer care setting.
• Membership in local and national professional organizations.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Support for ongoing education and skill development.
• Flexible scheduling options.