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 18+ Nurse Navigator jobs
Job Summary:
The RN Navigator is a specialty nurse who functions in the role of expert clinician, educator, consultant and coordinator of care. In collaboration with the Providers, Nurses and the healthcare team, the RN Navigator coordinates, monitors and evaluates the clinical care and services for patients and families providing clinical support to improve access to care, patient care, and outcomes. The RN Navigator serves as a resource and primary contact to assist the patient and family in navigating healthcare and the course of treatment. With in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience in the area of specialty, the RN Navigator assists the patient, family, staff and physician in providing solutions for complex patient care issues and in navigating the healthcare systems. The RN Navigator coordinates activities across; the continuum of care, interdepartmentally, and multiple healthcare facilities and subspecialty providers.This position practices within the scope of the California Nursing Practices Act and in accordance with healthcare organizations policies and under the direction of the Chief Nursing Officer.
Qualifications:
Education
- College Degree - 2 year In Nursing (required)
- College Degree - 4 year In Nursing (preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
- RN - Registered Nurse License - CA-BRN - California Board of Registered Nursing (required)
Work Experience
- Minimum two (2) years Experience in clinical nursing specialty (preferred)
Skills and Abilities
- Extensive advanced knowledge of nursing principles, clinical practice, and healthcare systems.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation Range:
$60.15 - $85.81Workshift:
Day (United States of America)Position Exempt:
YesFTE %:
80Scheduled Weekly Hours:
32Daily Hours:
8Have Questions?
Call Recruitment Services at 559-353-7071 or email us at recruiting@valleychildrens.org
Disclaimer: Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.
Job Details
About Valley Children's
With more than 670 physicians and 3,500 staff, Valley Children’s Healthcare delivers high-quality, comprehensive care to more than 1.3 million children across Central California. Our 358-bed stand-alone children’s hospital and network of specialty care centers and primary care practices offer advanced pediatric services - from cancer and blood disorders to heart care and neonatal intensive care, serving children with conditions ranging from routine to rare and complex. Beyond clinical care, Valley Children’s is also a catalyst for community health - partnering with schools, nonprofits and public agencies to expand access, promote wellness and support the long-term success of children and families throughout the region.
Job Summary:
The RN Navigator is a specialty nurse who functions in the role of expert clinician, educator, consultant and coordinator of care. In collaboration with the Providers, Nurses and the healthcare team, the RN Navigator coordinates, monitors and evaluates the clinical care and services for patients and families providing clinical support to improve access to care, patient care, and outcomes. The RN Navigator serves as a resource and primary contact to assist the patient and family in navigating healthcare and the course of treatment. With in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience in the area of specialty, the RN Navigator assists the patient, family, staff and physician in providing solutions for complex patient care issues and in navigating the healthcare systems. The RN Navigator coordinates activities across; the continuum of care, interdepartmentally, and multiple healthcare facilities and subspecialty providers.This position practices within the scope of the California Nursing Practices Act and in accordance with healthcare organizations policies and under the direction of the Chief Nursing Officer.
Qualifications:
Education
- College Degree - 2 year In Nursing (required)
- College Degree - 4 year In Nursing (preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
- RN - Registered Nurse License - CA-BRN - California Board of Registered Nursing (required)
Work Experience
- Minimum two (2) years Experience in clinical nursing specialty (preferred)
Skills and Abilities
- Extensive advanced knowledge of nursing principles, clinical practice, and healthcare systems.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation Range:
$60.15 - $85.81Workshift:
Day (United States of America)Position Exempt:
YesFTE %:
80Scheduled Weekly Hours:
32Daily Hours:
8Have Questions?
Call Recruitment Services at 559-353-7071 or email us at recruiting@valleychildrens.org
Disclaimer: Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.
Job Details
About Valley Children's
With more than 670 physicians and 3,500 staff, Valley Children’s Healthcare delivers high-quality, comprehensive care to more than 1.3 million children across Central California. Our 358-bed stand-alone children’s hospital and network of specialty care centers and primary care practices offer advanced pediatric services - from cancer and blood disorders to heart care and neonatal intensive care, serving children with conditions ranging from routine to rare and complex. Beyond clinical care, Valley Children’s is also a catalyst for community health - partnering with schools, nonprofits and public agencies to expand access, promote wellness and support the long-term success of children and families throughout the region.
See All 18 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
- Distribution & Wholesale
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 Emanate Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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?
Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco 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 17% of nurse navigator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 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 18 Nurse Navigator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nurse Navigator Jobs