The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) for the Centers for Early Detection and Interception uses their oncology-specific clinical knowledge to offer individualized guidance to patients, families, and caregivers to foster independence through their risk assessment, cancer screening, evaluation, and monitoring 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. The ONN creates an environment of care that is patient-centered and compassionate, inspiring, and motivating.

The Centers for Early Detection and Interception is a Dana-Farber strategic initiative designed to disrupt the historical cancer care model by bringing state-of-the-art early detection and precision intervention to people at higher risk of developing cancer. A blood-based multi-cancer screening approach for deadly cancers could help overcome the limitations of organ-specific screening tests. This integrated research-clinical model will accelerate the understanding of precursor conditions that precede cancer and bring earlier interventions for patients more rapidly. Through both research and clinical offerings, the Centers for Early Detection and Interception serves people at elevated risk for developing cancer. This includes people with young-onset cancers, precursor conditions, environmental exposures, cancer survivors at elevated risk of developing secondary cancers, and those with a family history of cancer.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator will triage patients by risk stratification, perform patient outreach & incorporate Inclusion, Diversity, and Education standards in each program. The Nurse Navigator will also facilitate clinical and research efforts by helping to maintain a patient database.

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: 

1. Participates in day-to-day operations of the program including patient education, call triage, arranging surveillance, and results disclosure.
2. Participates in program evaluation and development of strategic goals consistent with DFCI’s mission and professional values.
3. Participates in the QA/QI projects for the program.
4. Supports maintenance of a robust patient database that includes data entry, and creation of SOPs
5. Assists with patient flow as well as referrals and care transitions
6. Supports the research activities of the program.
7. Exhibits professional commitment through individual integrity, honesty and accountability to self and others.
8. Delivers expert clinical care through evidenced-based practice partnerships with patients, families, and colleagues.

Assumes nursing care responsibilities for a defined group of patients within the program, including but not limited to assessment, education, coordination, and documentation.

1. Facilitates individualized care within the context of functional status, cultural consideration, health literacy, psychosocial, reproductive/fertility, and spiritual needs for patients, families, and caregivers.
2. Supports a smooth transition of patients from surveillance to active treatment; develops patient-centered monitoring plans.
3. Acts as a liaison between the patients, families, and caregivers and the providers to optimize outcomes.
4. Advocates for patients to promote patient-centered care that includes shared decision-making and patient goals of care with optimal outcomes.
5. Provides psychosocial support to and facilitates appropriate referrals for patients, families, and caregivers.
6. Contributes to ONN program and role development, implementation, and evaluation within the healthcare system and community.
7. Participates in the tracking and monitoring of metrics and outcomes, in collaboration with administration, to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program.
8. Functions as the primary nursing contact for care delivered within the physician practice setting.
9. Engages in collaborative decision-making, utilizing available data expertise and wisdom of the collective.
10. Manages patient care in the screening and detection phase of the cancer care continuum, including new patient calls, and making appropriate referrals as necessary.
11. Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
12. Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
13. Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures, and standards.
14. Provides care based on the age-specific needs of the patient.
15. Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001) in all aspects of professional practice.
16. 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.
17. Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.
18. Practices deeply rooted in cultural humility to promote positive patient, collaborator, and community relationships.

    Professional Development:

1. Identifies areas for professional growth.
2. Formulates professional goals, objectives, and methods for accomplishing these.
3. Serves as representative on Nursing and Institute committees, including the Oncology Nurse Navigator Committee.
4. Supports research activities within the Nursing and Patient Care Services and the Institute.
5. Meets all annual evaluation requirements and competencies within the established time period.
6. Collaborates in preparing professional reports, articles, and presentations for colleagues and the public.
7. Pursues active membership in local and national professional organizations.
8. Commitment to continuous learning and improvement through a high spirit of inquiry, innovation, and mentoring.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

1. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, effective communication, organizational skills, problem solving, and ability to make appropriate independent decisions.

PATIENT CONTACT: Yes- Demonstrates understanding of special needs and behaviors of age groups of the population served:  all age groups, infants to geriatric.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Licensed as a registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing strongly preferred. If associate degree in nursing, must complete a BSN degree within 3 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). 

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in clinic and office settings with possible exposure to infectious diseases through airborne transmission or contact with blood or body fluids.
• Position offers a mix of remote and on-site work at both Chestnut Hill and Longwood DFCI campuses.  Subject to change based on Institute guidelines.