AYA Oncology Nurse Navigator

Grand River Hospital; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) seeks an Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Nurse Navigator to support patients through diagnosis and treatment within the Cancer Center. The role combines psychosocial support, education, and care coordination for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

As an Oncology Clinic Nurse, you will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, provide education to patients and families, and facilitate referrals to ensure safe, coordinated care across inpatient

Qualifications

• Current certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing.
• Minimum 3–5 years current oncology experience.
• Completion of Canadian Nurses Association Certification in Oncology (CONC).
• Completion of Oncology Foundations Course from the deSouza Institute.
• Completion of Nurse Navigation Course from the de Souza Institute preferred but enrollment acceptable with expected completion within six months.
• Experience working with adolescent and young adult population preferred.
• Experience in care coordination, navigation, and patient advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience in working within a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Working with a variety of computer systems and software applications.
• Experience in program development or project management an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multidisciplinary care plans and facilitate timely referrals.
• Engage patients and families with education and advocacy.
• Support psychosocial and care coordination needs across oncology pathways.
• Contribute to program development, quality improvement, and staff education.
• Maintain and report patient interactions and program metrics.

Skills

Care coordination

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education & advocacy

Communication skills

Nurse navigation

Education

Certificate of Competence – CNO

CONC Certification

Oncology Foundations Course (deSouza Institute)

Nurse Navigation Course (preferred)

Job description

Welcome to health care that soars above. Welcome to WRHN.

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health‑care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo‑Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health‑care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community‑driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Position Vacancy

Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Nurse Navigator (AYA NN)/ Outpatient Clinic Nurse

Position

ONA Dual Role - Composite Position: Permanent Full Time Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Nurse Navigator (Psychosocial Oncology)/ Oncology Clinic Nurse) Oncology Clinic Nurse (Oncology Outpatient Clinics); Home Unit Psychosocial Oncology Unit

Hours of Work

7.5 Hour Shifts, Monday to Friday

Location

WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus); 835 King St West,Kitchener,ON,N2G 1G3,CA

Position Summary

Reporting to the Clinical Psychosocial Oncology (PSO) Manager and working as a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Adolescent and Young Adult Nurse Navigator (AYA NN)/ Oncology Clinic Nurse is responsible for coordinating and supporting patients throughout the diagnosis and treatment phase of their oncology journey within the Waterloo Regional Health Network Cancer Center (WRHNCC).

The AYA NN plays a key role in reducing system barriers and promoting seamless, patient‑centered care for adolescents and young adults with cancer. This role provides comprehensive assessment, education, advocacy and care coordination tailored to the unique psychosocial, developmental, and medical needs of this population, ensuring timely access to services and continuity across the care continuum.

The Oncology Clinic Nurse is responsible for collaborating in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care within the oncology clinic setting. As a key point of contact for patients and families, the Oncology Clinic Nurse provides education, clinic support, and ongoing navigation throughout the cancer journey, both in person and virtually, to promote safe, high‑quality, and coordinated care for patients, staff, and visitors.

As an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, the Nurse will facilitate access to supportive services, strengthen connections between hospital, and community‑care providers, and support transitions across setting through timely referrals and coordinated care planning. In addition to direct care, the role contributes to program development, quality improvement initiatives, patient engagement activities, staff education, and supportive care programming aimed at improving outcomes and experiences for cancer patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient and Family Engagement: Conduct thorough assessments, such as psychosocial, information, and care coordination needs. Provides education and emotional support tailored to the patient, their care partners and family members, supporting information decision making throughout their treatment.
• Care Coordination: Coordinates multidisciplinary care plans and facilitates timely referrals to both internal and external services. I.e. Triages referrals, manages intake pathways, and coordinates scheduling of patients.
• Supportive Care Access: Facilitates access to a variety of support services such as mental health services, peer support, fertility preservation, sexual health resources, and wellness programs while identifying and addressing barriers and advocating for patient needs across systems.
• Program Development and Quality Improvement: Participate in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives. Identifies gaps in care and contributes to program enhancements.
• Education and Advocacy: Develops patient facing educational materials and resources to support the AYA population. Supports program initiatives, events, and peer support opportunities while active as a key resource within the program. Providing education and support to staff and community partners. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with the inter‑professional team both at WRHN and regional sites to ensure cohesive and coordinated patient care.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of patient interactions, tracks outcomes and program metrics to support clinical care and program evaluation.

Professional Development

• Continuous Learning: Engage in ongoing professional development related to oncology nursing and AYA care.

Commitment to Safety

• Safe Environment: Contributes to ensuring a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors by adhering to established safety protocols and fostering a culture of safety within the oncology program.

Position Requirements

• Current certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years current oncology experience required.
• Completion of Canadian Nurses Association Certification in Oncology (CONC) required.
• Completion of Oncology Foundations Course from the deSouza Institute.
• Completion of Nurse Navigation Course from the de Souza Institute preferred but enrollment acceptable with expected completion within six (6) months.
• Experience working with adolescent and young adult population preferred.
• Experience in care coordination, navigation, and patient advocacy.
• Demonstrated experience in working within a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Working with a variety of computer systems and software applications.
• Participation in education and clinical training programs.
• Experience in program development or project management an asset.
• Additional training in mental health or counselling an asset.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of

• Oncologic disease processes
• Patient assessmentPrinciples of adult learning
• Needs of the oncology patient population and patient focused care
• Case coordination within the Cancer Center, WRHN, and community agencies
• AYA Oncology needs including fertility, sexual health, and psychosocial support.
• Therapeutic communication, counselling, and interpersonal skills
• Principles of continuous quality improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work within and lead an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Functions independently and collaboratively
• Ability to practice independently using excellent organizational, problem‑solving skills and time management skills
• Ability to gather, track and present data to a larger team for quality improvement process planning

Compensation and Working Conditions

• Salary: CAD 43.82-61.52
• Employment Type: Employee
• Hours of Work: 7.5 Hour Shifts, Monday to Friday
• Location: 835 King St West,Kitchener,ON,N2G 1G3,CA

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

AI Statement

WRHN does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants during our recruitment and selection process.