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