Intake Nurse Navigator job at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX

Intake Nurse Navigator Location: Houston United States Job Description: At MD Anderson Cancer Center, our Intake Nurse Navigators are the first point of human connection in a patient's cancer care journey. You'll serve as a trusted advocate, providing education, emotional support, and coordinated access to world-class treatment. From the moment of initial referral through the first appointment, you will guide patients and their families, helping them understand next steps, remove barriers to care, and ensure a smooth transition into our care network. This role requires compassion, clinical expertise, and strong collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams. You'll partner closely with other care professionals to make sure that every new patient receives timely, high-quality care aligned with MD Anderson's mission to eliminate cancer. The ideal candidate will have experience with Epic. Some Navigation experience is also preferred. This position may support one of the following service lines: Melanoma, Endocrine, or Internal Medicine. This is a hybrid position. Onsite orientation will be required during the first three months. After training is completed, onsite attendance will typically be 2-3 days per month, with additional days onsite as needed. The standard schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required as business needs arise. At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one. Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups Key Functions Patient Relationship & Assessment: Build connection and trust with patients at the first point of contact. Assess medical, psychosocial, and logistical needs; identify barriers to care; and connect patients and families with appropriate resources. Care Coordination: Collaborate closely with the care team to schedule timely consults, tests, and supportive appointments while navigating payer and authorization processes. Clinical Triage: Review patient records and apply clinical knowledge to confirm eligibility, appropriate specialty placement, and readiness for first appointment. Patient & Family Education: Provide education about diagnoses, treatment pathways, and support resources to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions. Documentation & Communication: Maintain detailed, accurate documentation in Epic. Ensure efficient information flow among team members for continuity and safety of care. Program Development: Participate in quality improvement initiatives that enhance the patient and caregiver experience, streamline navigation workflows, and elevate MD Anderson's intake standards. Professional Development: Stay current with navigation best practices and oncology trends through continuing education and internal training opportunities. What You'll Bring Active RN license and at least 2 years of clinical experience, preferably in oncology, case management, or patient navigation. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with an empathetic, patient-centered approach. Strong understanding of healthcare systems, insurance coordination, and multidisciplinary care processes. Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented work style with comfort managing multiple patient cases. Familiarity with Epic or comparable electronic health record systems. Drive to embrace MD Anderson's core values, Caring, Integrity, Discovery, Safety, and Stewardship, in every patient interaction. Why Join MD Anderson Meaningful impact: Your work helps patients navigate one of the most critical moments of their lives, ensuring they receive timely access to world-renowned cancer care. Team-driven excellence: Collaborate daily with leading clinicians, researchers, and support professionals who share your dedication to advancing patient outcomes. Commitment to growth: Take advantage of extensive professional development programs, certification support, and continuous learning in oncology navigation and leadership. Innovative environment: Work within an institution consistently ranked among the nation's top cancer centers, known for cutting-edge care and compassionate service. Balanced well-being: Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that prioritizes teamwork, respect, and work-life balance. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one patient, one family, and one journey at a time. EDUCATION Required: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Preferred: Master's Degree in Nursing. WORK EXPERIENCE Required: Five years professional oncology nursing or oncology nurse navigation experience. May substitute required degree with an Associate's degree in Nursing and seven years of professional oncology nursing or oncology nurse navigation experience. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure State of Texas Professional Nursing License (RN). BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required or CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire Preferred: OCN - Oncology Nurse Certification National certification in Oncology and specialty practice area. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html Additional Information Requisition ID: 178426 Employment Status: Full-Time Employee Status: Regular Work Week: Days, Rotating, Weekends Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 101,000 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 126,500 Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 152,000 FLSA: exempt and eligible for overtime, paid at a time and a half rate Fund Type: Hard Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote Pivotal Position: Yes Referral Bonus Available?: No Relocation Assistance Available?: No #LI-Hybrid Apply tot his job Apply To this Job