Registered Nurse - Radiation Oncology Navigator

01Basic Requirements

English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program.

Upon achievement of a State license, the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program.

Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

02Grade Determinations

The following Scope, Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13100330.

Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I, Level I Delivers fundamental, knowledge-based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies. An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional professional nursing required. Nurse I, Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required. Nurse I, Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning. Self-directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations.

An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I, Level 2; OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I, Level 2; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience; OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.

A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Master's degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I, Level 3; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience.

Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting.

MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Master's degree in related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience, one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III; OR a Doctoral degree in a related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III. *Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

03Physical Requirements

This position requires physical activities typically associated with direct patient care, including extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, moderate lifting, and repeated bending or kneeling.

The Radiation Oncology Navigator Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for delivering competent, evidence-based nursing care to patients throughout the cancer care continuum. The RN serves as a primary point of coordination for Veterans, families, and caregivers, ensuring access to appropriate services that address complex health care needs. The Navigator facilitates care across multiple providers, care levels, and settings within both the VA and community networks to maintain seamless continuity of care.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Coordinates and oversees the patient's progression from initial suspicion of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship/surveillance, or palliative and end-of-life care. Ensures all diagnostic and treatment steps are scheduled, completed, and aligned with the overall plan of care. Collaborates with internal and external referral sources to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices. Anticipates patient needs and implements preventive care measures.

• Conducts comprehensive assessments, interprets clinical data, and identifies age-specific care requirements.
• Provides patient and caregiver education, guidance, and support; addresses psychosocial, medical, and nursing needs in partnership with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Develops individualized plans of care and ensures educational interventions are tailored to patient needs.
• Monitors service needs, identifies system barriers, and contributes to process improvements.

Evaluates patient outcomes to ensure timely, appropriate, and effective delivery of services. Advocates for holistic, patient-centered care through ongoing communication with patients, families, and providers. Demonstrates leadership by applying evidence-based practice, offering constructive feedback to peers, and fostering a supportive environment for professional development. Represents nursing perspective in interdisciplinary discussions and collaborates with team members to support change and optimize outcomes.

04Preferred Experience

Minimum of 2 years of Radiation Oncology nursing experience; and/or Minimum of 2 years of Nurse Navigator, Nurse Coordinator, or Care Coordination experience. Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN®) or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe. Knowledge of radiation therapy treatments, side effect management, and oncology patient navigation. Experience coordinating care for patients across the cancer continuum. Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience utilizing electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized