Network Float Oncology Nurse Navigator (St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Brighton and other DFCI locations) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Unclassified - Weymouth, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Weymouth, MA

About the position

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) plays a crucial role in providing individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, particularly in the context of oncology. Reporting to the Satellite Nurse Manager or Director, the ONN utilizes their specialized clinical knowledge to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. This position is integral to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's mission of conquering cancer and related diseases, emphasizing compassionate and comprehensive care for patients from diverse backgrounds. In this full-time role, the ONN is responsible for various nursing aspects of the program, including clinical care, telephone triage, symptom management, and patient education. The ONN will float between several DFCI satellite locations, including DFCI Brighton, Milford, Foxborough, and South Shore, requiring regular travel to these sites. The position also offers the flexibility of partial remote work, with the geographic location determining the home base for the individual. The ONN is expected to work five 8-hour days per week, primarily at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and other locations within the DFCI Network. The ONN assumes nursing care responsibilities for a defined group of patients, focusing on assessment, education, coordination, and documentation. They facilitate individualized care that considers functional status, cultural background, health literacy, and psychosocial needs. The ONN provides a welcoming approach to new patients, promotes a positive professional image, and supports patients through transitions from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care. They act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, advocating for patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Additionally, the ONN contributes to program development and evaluation, participates in day-to-day operations, and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

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.
• Acts as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and providers to optimize outcomes.
• Advocates for patients to promote 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 the tracking and monitoring of metrics and outcomes in collaboration with administration.
• Functions as the primary nursing contact for care delivered within the satellite setting and collaborating nursing professionals.
• Evaluates patient care in the program and collaborates with other disciplines to facilitate appropriate clinical decision-making.
• Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
• Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, and standards.
• Provides care based on age-specific needs of the patient, from young adult to geriatric.
• Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements in all aspects of professional practice.
• Complies with accepted standards of professional nursing practice that is evidence-based and consistent with policy and procedures determined by DFCI.
• Promotes a culture of inclusion and fosters an environment sensitive to the needs of diverse populations.

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 ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to function in a busy work setting with patients with complex needs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in oncology nursing or related fields.
• Membership in local and national professional organizations.

Benefits

• Opportunity for professional development and growth.
• Flexible work schedule with partial remote work options.
• Supportive work environment focused on diversity and inclusion.