Nurse Navigator Jobs in California
Nurse navigator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in large academic medical centers, integrated health systems, and cancer care programs, with openings at every level from entry-level care coordinators through senior navigators managing complex oncology or cardiology populations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the densest hiring markets, home to major employers including Kaiser Permanente, UCSF Health, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Oncology navigation, chronic disease management, and post-acute care coordination are the specialties generating the most consistent demand across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 21+ Nurse Navigator jobs
INTRODUCTION
We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
ORGANIZATION
SEBMF-East Bay Medical Foundation
POSITION OVERVIEW
A professional registered nurse (RN) who offers individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help overcome health care system barriers. Enhances the patient experience and improves the clinical outcome for patients by providing a seamless navigation process throughout the continuum of care. Responsible for collaborating with physicians and members of the interdisciplinary teams to triage, coordinate, and consistently manage patient care by educating the patient and serving as a point of contact for patients and families. Participates in strategic initiatives within the clinical program or service line to include developing, implementing and monitoring navigation activities and sustainability, facilitates shared decision making and patient engagement by forming trusting relationships and addressing patients' communication and health literacy needs, while helping them integrate their values and preferences into treatment decisions. Works for and promotes positive outcomes for patients, providers and the Sutter health care system.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Coordinates patient care through the point(s) of continuum specified by assisting with timely access to care, coordinating/facilitating appointments and services, and accompanying patients to appointments as needed.
- Facilitates timely coordination of appointments/services
- Meets with patient by phone or in person “within designated time” following “designated event” and follows patient per facility-specific guidelines
- May include meeting with the patient in both acute and non-acute Sutter Health locations. Coordinates appointments, if applicable, for diagnostic testing, services, and with providers to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services. May include accompanying patients to appointments (particularly if there are multiple barriers to care) and/or, providing clarification and literacy-level appropriate education related to the visit.
- Provides care coordination, symptom management support, guidance, education and advocacy across care settings.
- Discusses physician visits with patients and families and answers questions
- Provides and reinforces education re: treatment, care plan, symptom management, and survivorship concerns
- Facilitates shared decision making and patient engagement by forming trusting relationships and addressing patients’ communication and health literacy needs, while helping them integrate their values and preferences into treatment decisions.
- Empowers patients with education and knowledge to help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction
Assesses patients’ current and future needs, provides patient access to resources (internal and external), facilitates patient needs assessments, including distress screenings and acuity scales; coordinates/facilitates appropriate referrals.
- Assesses for and identifies patient/family needs and matches unmet needs to appropriate resources during care continuum, based on clinical guidelines and evidence based practices.
- Assesses for and works to mitigate barriers to care. Assists patients with access concerns (for screening, diagnosis, and/or treatment, as appropriate) and assists with paperwork as needed
- Makes referrals for services based on patient/family needs—i.e., education, finances, psychosocial, survivorship, transportation, child care, lodging.
- Facilitates access to physicians and services.
- Facilitates appropriate medical record availability at scheduled appointments as needed.
- Facilitates language translation or interpretation services.
- Facilitates financial assessment and referrals along with assisting with completing forms as needed.
- Facilitates linkages to follow-up services
- As appropriate, facilitates screening for and access to clinical trials, molecular testing and/or genetic counseling.
Builds partnerships with local agencies and groups (e.g., referrals to other services and/or support groups)
- Facilitates distress and acuity screening and makes appropriate referrals
Establishes and maintains close collaboration with providers and care team to communicate effectively ensuring seamless patient care and care coordination.
- Communicates and collaborates with involved physicians and staff members to facilitate individualized patient care plans and communication between care disciplines
- Maintains communication with patients, families, and health care providers to monitor patient satisfaction with the care experience
- Ensures that navigator functions and activities remain within scope of defined role
- Provides triage and support services (e.g., symptom management, emotional support, education, resource referral) for patients/families in collaboration with attending physicians and the care team
Tracks navigation program metrics and quality indicators, documents patient interactions and progression, and communicates navigation activities to physicians and the care team
- Assists with tracking, documentation, and outcome reporting for navigation services
- Assists with ongoing navigation program assessment and identification of process improvement opportunities
- Assists with and/or attends meetings for Sutter Health accreditation endeavors.
- Assists with annual accreditation requirements related to navigation and as directed by administration.
- Actively participates in multidisciplinary conference, assisting with preparing conference materials and providing patient follow-up as needed.
- Actively participating in multidisciplinary care patient presentation and care planning
- Assists with coordination of multidisciplinary conference(s) as needed
- Assists with patient follow-up as needed
- Assists with and/or attends conferences
Participates in community health promotion and awareness programs.
- Conducts health promotion and awareness programs in community as appropriate
- Attends community health fairs and screenings; provides community education presentations as appropriate
- Facilitates/attends support groups as appropriate
- Conducts and/or assists with a Community Needs Assessment at least once every three years to meet the American College of Surgeons Commission on accreditation requirement(s).
- Teaches health topics, including risk reduction, to those interested within the community.
- Facilitates and/or attends support groups.
COMMUNICATION (ORAL AND WRITTEN)
- Consistently communicates with patients, physicians and other Sutter Health staff in a courteous, professional manner that reflects the desired service outcomes of the department
- Prepare patient information materials as requested
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information at all times
QUALITY
- Participate in ongoing quality assessment/improvement, ensuring that there is a continuous process of measuring and enhancing quality
- Consistently demonstrates Customer Service principles in daily practice
- Must be detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills
- Must possess excellent follow-up and follow through skills
- Participate in ongoing education opportunities and training
PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY
- Ability to prioritize goals and work accurately and efficiently
SUTTER HEALTH CITIZENSHIP
- Adheres to all policies and procedures (i.e. Administrative and Human Resources), practices safe work habits, and engages in good business standards and practices.
SERVICE STANDARDS
- Consistently exhibits behaviors set forth in the attached Sutter Health Codes of Conduct
Education
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE
- RN-Registered Nurse of California
- BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
DEPARTMENT REQUIRED CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE
Department, Oncology: ONS Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice within 90 days (if less than 1 year with oncology experience)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE
5 years recent relevant experience.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of medical terminology required.
- Ability to ensure follow through with responsibilities and communicate with a varied level of health care staff.
- Knowledge of third-party reimbursement helpful.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
JOB SHIFT
Microsoft Office software experience required, including Excel and Word
SCHEDULE
Full Time
SHIFT HOURS
8
DAYS OF THE WEEK
Monday - Friday
WEEKEND REQUIREMENTS
None
BENEFITS
Yes
UNIONS
No
POSITION STATUS
Non-Exempt
WEEKLY HOURS
40
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $90.58 to $126.81 / hour
The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
INTRODUCTION
We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
ORGANIZATION
SEBMF-East Bay Medical Foundation
POSITION OVERVIEW
A professional registered nurse (RN) who offers individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help overcome health care system barriers. Enhances the patient experience and improves the clinical outcome for patients by providing a seamless navigation process throughout the continuum of care. Responsible for collaborating with physicians and members of the interdisciplinary teams to triage, coordinate, and consistently manage patient care by educating the patient and serving as a point of contact for patients and families. Participates in strategic initiatives within the clinical program or service line to include developing, implementing and monitoring navigation activities and sustainability, facilitates shared decision making and patient engagement by forming trusting relationships and addressing patients' communication and health literacy needs, while helping them integrate their values and preferences into treatment decisions. Works for and promotes positive outcomes for patients, providers and the Sutter health care system.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Coordinates patient care through the point(s) of continuum specified by assisting with timely access to care, coordinating/facilitating appointments and services, and accompanying patients to appointments as needed.
- Facilitates timely coordination of appointments/services
- Meets with patient by phone or in person “within designated time” following “designated event” and follows patient per facility-specific guidelines
- May include meeting with the patient in both acute and non-acute Sutter Health locations. Coordinates appointments, if applicable, for diagnostic testing, services, and with providers to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services. May include accompanying patients to appointments (particularly if there are multiple barriers to care) and/or, providing clarification and literacy-level appropriate education related to the visit.
- Provides care coordination, symptom management support, guidance, education and advocacy across care settings.
- Discusses physician visits with patients and families and answers questions
- Provides and reinforces education re: treatment, care plan, symptom management, and survivorship concerns
- Facilitates shared decision making and patient engagement by forming trusting relationships and addressing patients’ communication and health literacy needs, while helping them integrate their values and preferences into treatment decisions.
- Empowers patients with education and knowledge to help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction
Assesses patients’ current and future needs, provides patient access to resources (internal and external), facilitates patient needs assessments, including distress screenings and acuity scales; coordinates/facilitates appropriate referrals.
- Assesses for and identifies patient/family needs and matches unmet needs to appropriate resources during care continuum, based on clinical guidelines and evidence based practices.
- Assesses for and works to mitigate barriers to care. Assists patients with access concerns (for screening, diagnosis, and/or treatment, as appropriate) and assists with paperwork as needed
- Makes referrals for services based on patient/family needs—i.e., education, finances, psychosocial, survivorship, transportation, child care, lodging.
- Facilitates access to physicians and services.
- Facilitates appropriate medical record availability at scheduled appointments as needed.
- Facilitates language translation or interpretation services.
- Facilitates financial assessment and referrals along with assisting with completing forms as needed.
- Facilitates linkages to follow-up services
- As appropriate, facilitates screening for and access to clinical trials, molecular testing and/or genetic counseling.
Builds partnerships with local agencies and groups (e.g., referrals to other services and/or support groups)
- Facilitates distress and acuity screening and makes appropriate referrals
Establishes and maintains close collaboration with providers and care team to communicate effectively ensuring seamless patient care and care coordination.
- Communicates and collaborates with involved physicians and staff members to facilitate individualized patient care plans and communication between care disciplines
- Maintains communication with patients, families, and health care providers to monitor patient satisfaction with the care experience
- Ensures that navigator functions and activities remain within scope of defined role
- Provides triage and support services (e.g., symptom management, emotional support, education, resource referral) for patients/families in collaboration with attending physicians and the care team
Tracks navigation program metrics and quality indicators, documents patient interactions and progression, and communicates navigation activities to physicians and the care team
- Assists with tracking, documentation, and outcome reporting for navigation services
- Assists with ongoing navigation program assessment and identification of process improvement opportunities
- Assists with and/or attends meetings for Sutter Health accreditation endeavors.
- Assists with annual accreditation requirements related to navigation and as directed by administration.
- Actively participates in multidisciplinary conference, assisting with preparing conference materials and providing patient follow-up as needed.
- Actively participating in multidisciplinary care patient presentation and care planning
- Assists with coordination of multidisciplinary conference(s) as needed
- Assists with patient follow-up as needed
- Assists with and/or attends conferences
Participates in community health promotion and awareness programs.
- Conducts health promotion and awareness programs in community as appropriate
- Attends community health fairs and screenings; provides community education presentations as appropriate
- Facilitates/attends support groups as appropriate
- Conducts and/or assists with a Community Needs Assessment at least once every three years to meet the American College of Surgeons Commission on accreditation requirement(s).
- Teaches health topics, including risk reduction, to those interested within the community.
- Facilitates and/or attends support groups.
COMMUNICATION (ORAL AND WRITTEN)
- Consistently communicates with patients, physicians and other Sutter Health staff in a courteous, professional manner that reflects the desired service outcomes of the department
- Prepare patient information materials as requested
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information at all times
QUALITY
- Participate in ongoing quality assessment/improvement, ensuring that there is a continuous process of measuring and enhancing quality
- Consistently demonstrates Customer Service principles in daily practice
- Must be detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills
- Must possess excellent follow-up and follow through skills
- Participate in ongoing education opportunities and training
PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY
- Ability to prioritize goals and work accurately and efficiently
SUTTER HEALTH CITIZENSHIP
- Adheres to all policies and procedures (i.e. Administrative and Human Resources), practices safe work habits, and engages in good business standards and practices.
SERVICE STANDARDS
- Consistently exhibits behaviors set forth in the attached Sutter Health Codes of Conduct
Education
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE
- RN-Registered Nurse of California
- BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
DEPARTMENT REQUIRED CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE
Department, Oncology: ONS Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice within 90 days (if less than 1 year with oncology experience)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE
5 years recent relevant experience.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of medical terminology required.
- Ability to ensure follow through with responsibilities and communicate with a varied level of health care staff.
- Knowledge of third-party reimbursement helpful.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
JOB SHIFT
Microsoft Office software experience required, including Excel and Word
SCHEDULE
Full Time
SHIFT HOURS
8
DAYS OF THE WEEK
Monday - Friday
WEEKEND REQUIREMENTS
None
BENEFITS
Yes
UNIONS
No
POSITION STATUS
Non-Exempt
WEEKLY HOURS
40
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $90.58 to $126.81 / hour
The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
See All 21 Nurse Navigator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nurse Navigator JobsNurse Navigator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nurse Navigator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nurse navigator jobs across California.
- Active California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or higher from an accredited program
- Minimum two years of clinical nursing experience in a relevant specialty such as oncology or cardiology
- Certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse or similar specialty credential preferred
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams and community resources
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in California health systems such as Epic
Nurse Navigator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nurse navigator in California?
You become a nurse navigator in California by first holding an active Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Most California employers then expect clinical bedside experience, typically in a relevant specialty like oncology, cardiology, or case management, before moving into navigation. A specialty certification, such as the Oncology Certified Nurse credential for cancer-focused roles, strengthens candidacy significantly with California health systems and academic medical centers.
How much do nurse navigators make in California?
Nurse navigators in California earn a median of about $140,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,260 for the lowest 10% to over $213,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire nurse navigators in California?
Employers hiring nurse navigators in California right now include Sutter Health, UC Irvine Health, and サイネオス・ヘルス, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated systems and NCI-designated cancer centers generate particularly consistent demand for navigation roles across oncology, cardiovascular, and chronic disease programs.
Which California cities have the most nurse navigator jobs?
San Francisco, Orange, and Oakland have the most nurse navigator openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through its concentration of academic medical centers and multi-site health systems, San Francisco draws from UCSF Health and Bay Area integrated networks, and San Diego's strong biotech and veterans health presence keeps navigation roles active across oncology and specialty care programs throughout the region.
Are there remote nurse navigator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since nurse navigation often involves in-person patient touchpoints and care team coordination. About 0% of nurse navigator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which is meaningful for a clinical-adjacent role. Telephonic care coordination, utilization management support, and post-discharge follow-up are the navigator functions most likely to appear as fully remote positions.
How can I get hired as a nurse navigator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a clinical bedside role, such as oncology staff nurse, case manager, or discharge planner, into a navigator position at the same employer. Large California health systems including Kaiser Permanente and UCSF Health run new-graduate residency and specialty fellowship programs that build the coordination skills navigators need. Completing a specialty certification while still in a staff nurse role, or volunteering with patient advocacy programs at California cancer centers, gives candidates a clear competitive edge when applying for their first navigation opening.
Where can I find and apply to nurse navigator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to nurse navigator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across health systems, cancer centers, and outpatient programs throughout the state. Find the roles that match your specialty and experience level and apply directly to the employer.
See All 21 Nurse Navigator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nurse Navigator Jobs