Oncology Genetics Navigator Nurse
What you'd do
The Oncology Genetics Navigator Nurse provides specialized coordination for Veterans receiving somatic and germline genetic testing. The nurse ensures timely navigation across oncology, genetics, and research workflows; supports molecular testing processes; guides Veterans through education and follow-up; collaborates with interdisciplinary teams; and assists research activities supporting precision oncology care.
Major duties
The Oncology Genetics Navigator Nurse provides specialized navigation, coordination, and research support for Veterans undergoing somatic and germline genetic testing within the cancer care continuum. Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Coordination & Patient Navigation - Coordinates all phases of oncology genetic testing, including screening of somatic test results, confirming eligibility, arranging sample collection, and facilitating necessary authorizations. - Contacts Veterans and caregivers to provide education, clarify testing processes, guide informed decision-making, and coordinate follow-up genetic counseling when indicated. - Ensures seamless scheduling of appointments, telehealth visits, and multidisciplinary consults across oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, genetics, and primary care. - Tracks testing milestones, specimen receipt, laboratory processing, and documentation of results; ensures providers receive timely notification of actionable findings. - Assists family members with genetic counseling resources, cascade testing information, and follow-up recommendations, when appropriate. Clinical Practice & Care Collaboration - Provides oversight of the Veteran's journey from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, ensuring testing and care steps align with VA National Oncology Program (NOP) pathways. - Collaborates closely with hematology/oncology providers, clinical teams, and researchers to identify Veterans requiring specific molecular testing (germline or tumor sequencing). - Supports Veterans across VISN 4, helping standardize testing protocols and improve equitable access to genomics-based oncology care. - Documents molecular testing results, interpretations, and provider decision trees using approved CPRS templates. Quality Improvement & Program Advancement - Regularly evaluates molecular testing rates, identifies barriers within the medical center and network, and assists in establishing best practices for improved turnaround, access, and quality. - Pilots NOP-supported tools designed to enhance care navigation, improve Veterans' well-being, and advance high-reliability practices in oncology genomics. Research Support Responsibilities - Screens patients for research studies and obtains informed consent when appropriate. - Collects, compiles, tracks, and reports study-related patient data in accordance with established research protocols. - Coordinates specimen collection for research studies and ensures appropriate handling, documentation, and follow-up. - Participates in research group meetings, assists with protocol execution, supports project submissions, and helps address monitoring or audit findings. - Obtains medical records, specimens, and supporting documentation from non-VA sources to ensure completeness for research or testing purposes. - Identifies potential candidates for clinical trials, genomic research initiatives, and precision-medicine programs. Education, Leadership & Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Educates Veterans, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on genetic testing, oncology pathways, and research requirements. - Provides onboarding and training to new research or clinical team members involved in oncology genetics testing and research. - Contributes nursing perspectives and evidence-based input to interdisciplinary teams, clinical meetings, and service-level improvement efforts. - Promotes patient safety, holistic care, quality improvement, and high reliability principles throughout the oncology genetics program. 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: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
Basic 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 than 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. Grade 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/13008130. 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/. Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to meet the physical demands of clinical and research nursing practice in accordance with VA Handbook 5019. The work involves regular and recurring physical exertion including walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, positioning, or assisting patients. The incumbent must be able to lift and carry light items (such as medical supplies, charts, and equipment) and occasionally lift or support heavier objects or patients with assistance. The role requires manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to work for sustained periods using a computer for data entry, documentation, and research activities. The incumbent must be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional stability, and work in fast-paced clinical and research environments while maintaining professional composure. Participation in annual Employee Occupational Health screening is required.
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