The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) uses their oncology-specific clinical knowledge to offer individualized guidance to patients, families and caregivers to foster independence during their complex cancer journey. Using the nursing process, an ONN assesses patient needs and provides education and resources to facilitate appropriate and timely quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. (ONS definition). The ONN creates an environment of care that is patient-centered and compassionate, inspiring and motivating.
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participates in day-to-day operations of the program including patient education and call triage
- Participates in program evaluation and development of strategic goals consistent with DFCI’s mission and professional values.
- Participates in the QA/QI projects for the program.
- Supports the research activities of the program.
- Exhibits professional commitment through individual integrity, honesty and accountability to self and others
- Delivers expert clinical care through evidenced-based practice partnerships with patients, families and colleagues.
A. Assumes nursing care responsibilities for a defined group of patients within the program, including but not limited to assessment, education, coordination, and documentation.
- Facilitates individualized care within the context of functional status, cultural consideration, health literacy, psychosocial, reproductive/fertility, and spiritual needs for patients, families and caregivers.
- Supports a smooth transition of patients from active treatment into survivorship, chronic cancer management, or end-of-life care.
- Assists patients with cancer with issues related to treatment goals, advanced directives, palliative care, and end-of-life concerns using an ethical framework that is nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory.
- Acts as a liaison between the patients, families, and caregivers and the providers to optimize outcomes.
- Advocates for patients to promote patient centered care that includes shared decision making and patient goals of care with optimal outcomes.
- Provides psychosocial support to 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, to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program.
- Functions as the primary nursing contact for care delivered within the physician practice setting.
- Engages in collaborative decision making, utilizing available data expertise and wisdom of the collective.
- Manages patient care across the continuum, including new patient calls, and making appropriate referrals as necessary.
- Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
- 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.
- Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001) 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 as well as with all licensure/registration requirements applicable to the nursing role.
- Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
B. Professional Development:
- Identifies areas for professional growth.
- Formulates professional goals, objectives and methods for accomplishing these.
- Serves as representative on Nursing and Institute committees, including the Program Nurse Committee.
- Supports research activities within the Nursing and Patient Care Services and the Institute.
- Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
- Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.
- Pursues active membership in local and national professional organizations.
- Commitment to continuous learning and improvement through a high spirit of inquiry, innovation and mentoring.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, effective communication, organizational skills, problem solving, and ability to make appropriate independent decisions.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
Education: Associate degree, Nursing. Baccalaureate degree in Nursing strongly preferred. If Associate degree in Nursing, must complete BSN degree within 4 years. Experience: 1 year of recent experience as a Registered Nurse. Ambulatory and/or oncology experience preferred.
License/Certification/Registration Required:
Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or State of New Hampshire as appropriate required. AHA BLS required (AHA ACLS accepted as minimum requirement). Professional nursing certification preferred (OCN, BMTCN, CPHON, AOCNP, CRNI, RN-BC).
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Patient Contact:
Yes. Demonstrates understanding of special needs and behaviors of age groups of the population served: young adults to geriatrics.
