Oncology Nurse Navigator

Humboldt Park Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Humboldt Park Health in Chicago, IL is seeking a Nurse Cancer Navigator to guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum, coordinating diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up.

You will support education and care coordination with multidisciplinary teams, improve appointment adherence, and help retain patients within the health system. Requires an RN with at least 3 years of nursing experience, oncology experience preferred, and BLS certification.

Qualifications

• RN license in Illinois required.
• BLS certification required.
• OCN certification preferred or obtained within two years of hire.
• Minimum 3 years of nursing experience; oncology experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up.
• Ensure timely scheduling of oncology services and reduce delays in care.
• Track patients throughout treatment to ensure adherence to care plans.
• Facilitate communication among patients, providers, specialists, and ancillary departments.
• Monitor referrals and follow up on missed appointments or gaps in care.

Skills

Oncology nursing

Care coordination

Patient advocacy

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing

BSN preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
• Ensure timely scheduling of oncology services and reduce delays in care.
• Track patients throughout treatment to ensure adherence to recommended care plans.
• Facilitate communication between patients, providers, specialists, and ancillary departments.
• Monitor referrals and follow up on missed appointments or gaps in care.

Patient Navigation and Care Coordination

• Guide patients and families through the cancer care continuum.
• Coordinate diagnostic testing, consultations, procedures, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
• Ensure timely scheduling of oncology services and reduce delays in care.
• Track patients throughout treatment to ensure adherence to recommended care plans.
• Facilitate communication between patients, providers, specialists, and ancillary departments.
• Monitor referrals and follow up on missed appointments or gaps in care.

Patient Education and Support

• Enhanced care coordination among multidisciplinary teams.

Increased Revenue Capture

• Reduction in missed appointments and treatment cancellations.
• Improved retention of oncology patients within the health system.
• Increased completion of diagnostic and treatment services.
• Enhanced coordination of referrals and ancillary services.

Quality and Accreditation Support

• Support compliance with oncology quality standards and accreditation requirements.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Improve documentation and tracking of patient outcomes.
• Support multidisciplinary cancer conferences and care planning activities.

Operational Efficiency

• Decrease administrative burden on physicians, nurses, and clinic staff.
• Improve communication among providers and departments.
• Streamline patient scheduling and care transitions.
• Provide a single point of contact for oncology patients and families.

Financial Impact

Cancer services represent a significant service line with opportunities for growth. Delays in care, patient leakage to competing organizations, and missed treatment opportunities negatively impact both patient outcomes and organizational revenue. A Nurse Cancer Navigator helps retain patients within the health system, improves appointment adherence, facilitates timely treatment, and maximizes utilization of oncology-related services. The financial benefits generated through improved patient retention, increased treatment completion rates, reduced no-show rates, and enhanced coordination of services are expected to offset the cost of the position while improving overall program performance.

Strategic Alignment

• Improving patient access to care.
• Enhancing quality and patient experience.
• Expanding oncology services.
• Reducing health disparities.
• Supporting population health initiatives.
• Strengthening multidisciplinary care coordination.
• Advancing health equity and patient-centered care.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Licensure and Certification

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification preferred or obtained within two years of hire.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of nursing experience required.
• Minimum two (2) years of oncology nursing experience preferred.
• Experience in care coordination, case management, or patient navigation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of oncology disease processes, treatment modalities, and supportive care services.
• Strong patient advocacy and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to use computers and office equipment for prolonged periods.