RN Navigator - Palliative Care

Indiana University Health System; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Health System in Indianapolis is seeking a compassionate Registered Nurse Navigator to support the Palliative Care team. You will coordinate inpatient and outpatient care, develop individualized plans, and guide patients and families through complex illness decisions.

The role emphasizes symptom management, care coordination, and advocacy, with collaboration across physicians, social workers, and nurses to improve quality of life.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associates of Nursing (ASN).
• Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Requires active Registered Nurse license in Indiana or Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Requires graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program.
• Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
• Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty.
• Specialty certifications may be required per unit/department specialty.
• Requires knowledge of personal computers using word processing and database software.
• Requires clinical work experience, medical terminology.
• Understanding of medical record requirements, regulations and policies.
• Experience caring for patients with serious/advanced illness; 3-5 years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate inpatient and outpatient care across settings.
• Develop comprehensive, individualized care plans with patients and families.
• Support transitions from hospital to outpatient services and community resources.
• Collaborate with physicians, APPs, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other team members to ensure timely care.
• Guide patients and families through management of serious illness and symptom control.
• Advocate for patient goals, preferences, and quality of life.
• Monitor progress and adjust care plans as needed.
• Facilitate communication among care teams, patients, and caregivers.
• Balance clinical needs with resource utilization.

Skills

RN licensure

Care coordination

Patient advocacy

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Documentation & terminology

Education

ASN

BSN preferred

Tools

EHR/EMR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Registered Nurse Navigator - Palliative Care

Location: Methodist Hospital
Department: Palliative Care
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Registered Nurse Navigator to join our highly collaborative Palliative Care team. This role provides a unique opportunity to support patients living with serious, complex illnesses by helping them navigate care across the healthcare continuum.

As a Nurse Navigator, you will coordinate both inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring seamless transitions from hospitalization to ongoing outpatient treatment and community-based services. This position focuses on improving quality of life through symptom management, care coordination, patient advocacy, and goal-concordant care planning. While hospice and end-of-life care experience is highly valued, this role primarily supports patients with serious illnesses and chronic conditions, helping them optimize function, manage symptoms, and navigate complex healthcare decisions.

This is an ideal opportunity for nurses who are passionate about caring for patients with advanced illnesses and who find meaning in building relationships with patients and families during some of life's most challenging moments.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the care needs of assigned patients across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Develop comprehensive, individualized care plans in partnership with patients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Support patients transitioning from hospital care to outpatient services, specialty care, and community resources.
• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure timely and appropriate care delivery.
• Guide patients and families through the complexities of serious illness management, treatment planning, and symptom control.
• Advocate for patient goals, preferences, and quality-of-life priorities.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans based on changing needs.
• Facilitate communication between care teams, patients, and caregivers to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Balance clinical needs and resource utilization to promote effective and efficient care.

Qualifications:

• Requires an Associates of Nursing (ASN).
• Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Requires an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.
• Requires that the RN has graduated from a nationally accredited nursing program.
• Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
• Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
• Specialty certifications may be required per unit/department specialty in accordance with the department provision of care.
• Requires knowledge of personal computers using various types of word processing and database software.
• Requires clinical work experience, medical terminology.
• Requires understanding of medical record requirements, regulations and policies.
• Experience caring for patients with serious or advanced illness in settings such as hospice, palliative care, oncology, transplant, intensive care, neurology, or other complex care environments.
• 3-5 years of experience preferred.

Why Join Our Team?

Our Palliative Care team is known for its strong culture of collaboration, compassion, and support. We are an interdisciplinary group dedicated to delivering exceptional patient-centered care while supporting one another professionally and personally.

What you can expect:

• A highly engaged, family-oriented team environment.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians, social workers, advanced practice providers, and nursing colleagues.
• Meaningful work that makes a profound difference in patients' lives.
• Ongoing support for professional development and continuing education.
• Opportunities to participate in national professional organizations and conferences.
• A leadership team committed to employee growth and career advancement.

While caring for patients with serious illness can be emotionally challenging, team members consistently describe the work as deeply rewarding and impactful. If you are passionate about advocacy, care coordination, and helping patients navigate complex healthcare journeys, we encourage you to apply.