Palliative​/Hospice Nurse Navigator - Topsham​/Lewiston

Job Description

NECS is currently seeking a full‑time Palliative Care Nurse Navigator with a strong interest in Oncology to join our Palliative Care Practice. This role is a critical part of our Supportive and Palliative Care Team, dedicated to direct patient care and providing supportive and palliative services to Hematology/Oncology patients in a clinic setting. The successful candidate will work with the treatment team and patients to develop strategies for symptom and pain management.

The position is split between our Lewiston and Topsham Clinics.

NECS is a private medical practice composed of 18 oncologists and hematologists serving the region from 4 different locations in Maine and New Hampshire. Our mission is to make life better for people with cancer and blood disorders. Kindness, compassion, and respect are part of everything that we do – from our phone operators to our physicians, every person on our team is important, and everyone makes a difference.

We are proud to be an adult oncology member of the Dana‑Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, striving to provide the highest quality care and unmatched, holistic support for every patient, every day.

• Coordinates and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team in applying clinical guidelines and treatment protocols specific for symptom management, pain management, and improvement of patient care in the outpatient setting per practice guidelines.
• Draws blood from ports, central lines, and peripheral IV access. Performs other procedures as needed.
• Follows up with patients the day after they are seen in the office regarding symptom management results.
• Reaches out to patients and families regularly to those involved in the palliative care and hospice setting.
• Screens patients using tools like the Dashboard, reviewing hospitalized patients for follow‑up on discharge.
• Scripts refills and prior authorizations, communication, and referrals to Hospice and Home Care.
• Assists physicians; conducts patient assessments.
• Initiates and documents appropriate interventions; evaluates and records patient/family response within practice protocol.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team conferences, in‑services and continuing education programs, national and regional professional organizations, and community‑sponsored programs specific to Oncology, Hematology, and Palliative/Hospice Care.
• Coordinates patient care responsibilities within the scope of the practice for licensed and unlicensed health‑care providers.
• Performs nursing assessments and triage of patient care needs over the phone and in the office for all patients, not only those specifically limited to Palliative Care.
• Demonstrates respect for the life, dignity, and rights of all persons.
• Assists in the application of national standards and guidelines for quality assessment and resources to enhance the quality of patient care.
• Acts as a patient advocate in the coordination of ACP referrals, assessing readiness for and understanding of the ACP process and guiding as appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing required.
• Licensed Nurse within the State of Maine required or ability to obtain.
• 2+ years of palliative/hospice nursing experience required.
• Hematology/Oncology experience preferred.
• Palliative, Hospice, Supportive Nursing Experience preferred.
• Hospice Palliative Nursing Care Certification preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and staff.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities.

New England Cancer Specialists offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to our employees. Our benefits include medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurances; company‑paid life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurances, and long‑term care insurance. Other benefits include a company‑sponsored retirement program, generous paid time off in addition to six company‑paid holidays, a wellness program, and other voluntary benefits. Benefits are effective the first of the month after your hire date.