Oncology Nurse Navigator

GLIN IPA, an affiliate of Kaleida Health and Erie County Medical Center Corporation, is a Buffalo-based, physician-led independent physicians association (IPA) consisting of approximately 1,000 physicians in primary and specialty care. The mission of GLIN IPA is to transform the healthcare experience in Western New York (WNY), promoting high-quality, equitable, and efficient healthcare through innovation and collaboration. With a focus on the premier network of providers in WNY, GLIN IPA’s vision is to drive better health and experiences for all patients.

We offer an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, 401K, vacation, and PTO, as well as a great working environment

Position Summary :

The Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) is a registered nurse (RN) who serves as a key member of the oncology care team, guiding patients and their families through the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The ONN provides individualized education, emotional support, and care coordination to promote timely access to diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services. This role functions as a patient advocate and liaison between patients, families, physicians, and the multidisciplinary care team to reduce barriers to care, improve communication, and enhance the overall patient experience.

The Oncology Nurse Navigator promotes evidence-based care, facilitates shared decision-making, supports transitions across the continuum of care, and works to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes by ensuring patients receive appropriate resources and follow-up.

Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to) :

• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary oncology team to facilitate timely coordination of services (appointments, tests and procedures) across the cancer continuum from pre-diagnosis through survivorship to allow for an optimal patient experience
• Provide education to the patient and their family / caregiver about cancer diagnosis, treatments, symptoms that should be reported to their physician, clinical trials, and support services
• Perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient and their family / caregiver’s needs that would interfere with their cancer treatment
• Connect the patient with the resources including but not limited to community agencies, national resources, and support services they need during treatment
• Complete Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) assessment to understand patients’ life context and barriers to care and connect patients to internal and external resources based on their individual needs
• Explain cancer care issues to the patient and their family in their primary language or in easy-to-understand language
• Utilizes Interpreter Services for patient communication
• Review culturally appropriate support groups and educational programs that address local cultural issues and beliefs related to cancer for the patient and their family / caregiver
• Provide continuity of support while moving from one aspect (diagnosis) of the cancer experience to others (treatment, survivorship, end-of-life)
• Participates in Quality team meetings, site meetings, Commission on Cancer (CoC) meetings – when appropriate, and meetings for grant process development and improvement initiatives
• Identifies system and / or organizational barriers to care, and recommends strategies to address them
• Participate in the development of navigation assessment tools, guidelines, pathways and algorithms across the continuum of care
• Coordinate regularly scheduled multidisciplinary cancer conferences including preparation, participation and case presentation and documentation / communication of recommendations for assigned disease sites
• Participate in the completion of cancer focused community needs assessment and review on an annual basis
• Complete mandatory educational lessons as outlined by Human Resources and GLIN, IPA management
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, families, caregivers and staff
• Participate in Patient Advisory Committee and / or Patient and Family Centered Care Committee
• Completes Oncology Screening Nurse Navigation competency trainings and professional development opportunities, including required number of oncology navigation related continuing education hours annually (may vary based on AONN / Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) / CoC requirements)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications :

Associate’s degree in Nursing Degree from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) required

Bachelor of Science – BSN preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum two years oncology, including solid tumor nursing experience required
• Experience working in a high volume, fast-paced setting required
• Oncology ambulatory nursing care coordination experience preferred
• Prior experience with telephone triage in oncology

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Nurse license required
• Valid driver’s license
• OCN or AONN certification (ONN-CG) preferred
• Obtains Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators’ (AONN) Oncology Patient Navigator Certification within (2) years of hire.
• Completes Oncology Screening Nurse Navigation competency trainings and professional development opportunities, including required number of oncology navigation related continuing education hours annually (may vary based on AONN / Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) / CoC requirements)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Problem-Solving
• Technical Skills
• Patient / Customer Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Oral Communication
• Team Work
• Written Communication
• Delegation
• Leadership
• Quality Management
• Visionary Leadership
• Business Acumen
• Cost Consciousness

Ethics

• Organizational support
• Adaptability
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Judgment
• Self-Motivated

Serves the following age groups

• Adult patient and family members (18-65 years)
• Geriatric patient and family members (over 65 years)

This is a hybrid position with onsite presence at oncology practice locations in WNY (some traveling required) along with potential for remote work.

Pay range $75,000 to $85,000

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries / hourly rates will be set within job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Equal Employment

Our culture encourages individual development, embraces an inclusive environment, rewards innovative excellence, and leads New York in provider and patient satisfaction. Great Lakes Integrated Network (GLIN) values diversity, inclusion, and equity as matters of fairness and effectiveness . We are committed to hiring and retaining a staff that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, fostering an inclusive working environment where staff of all backgrounds feels welcomed and engaged .

Great Lakes Integrated Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer