The International Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) uses their oncology-specific clinical knowledge to offer individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers, to help overcome healthcare system barriers. Using the nursing process, an ONN provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. (ONS definition)

The position requires broad knowledge/expertise of oncology care, the ability to work in a highly matrixed organization, case management expertise, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to triage and assess patients.

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:

A. Principal Responsibilities:

a. Participates in day-to-day operations of the program.
b. Participates in program evaluation and development of strategic goals.
c. Participates in the QA/QI projects for the program.
d. Supports the research activities of the program

B. 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 active treatment into survivorship, chronic cancer management, or end-of-life care.
3. 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.
4. Acts as a liaison between the patients, families, and caregivers and the providers to optimize outcomes.
5. Contributes to ONN program and role development, implementation, and evaluation within the healthcare system and community
6. Participates in the tracking and monitoring of metrics and outcomes, in collaboration with administration, to document and evaluate outcomes of the navigation program
7. Evaluates patient care in the program and collaborates with the other disciplines to facilitate appropriate clinical decision-making and to implement change when necessary.
8. Manages patient care across the continuum, making appropriate referrals as necessary.
9. Works collaboratively and functions as an effective member of the health care team.
10. Monitors the environment of care with attention to patient safety and assures compliance with regulatory agency standards.
11. Maintains clinical practice that is evidence-based and consistent with nursing policies, procedures and standards.
12. Adheres to the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2001) in all aspects of professional practice.
13. 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.
14. Fosters an environment that is sensitive to the needs of diverse populations, including but not limited to culture, ethnicity, gender, and age.

C. 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.
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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
2. Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and ability to make independent decisions.

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.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2. Associates Degree in Nursing. BSN preferred (Must obtian within four years of hire).
3. Minimum of 1 year (or equivalent) of nursing experience.
4. Certification in Oncology Nursing, OCN, AOCN, or CPON preferred.

DISCLAIMER:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.