(RN) Oncology Discharge Coordination Nurse
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
UC San Diego Health is proud to be a four-time Magnet-designated organization and has now earned Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is the gold standard for nursing excellence, achieved by only about 10% of hospitals worldwide. Magnet with Distinction is awarded to the highest-performing Magnet organizations, with only a select few earning this prestigious honor. This recognition reflects our commitment to transformational leadership, professional nursing excellence, innovation, exceptional patient outcomes, and an empowering practice environment where nurses thrive. The Discharge Coordinator RN serves as a critical liaison between inpatient acute care and outpatient oncology services, ensuring seamless, timely, and patient-centered transitions of care. This role focuses on coordinating post-discharge needs for oncology patients, including follow-up clinic visits, infusion therapy, and radiation oncology services. The Discharge Coordinator RN proactively removes barriers, aligns care plans across settings, and enhances continuity to support optimal clinical outcomes and patient experience. This position reports to outpatient oncology nurse leadership, with reporting pathways to inpatient leadership. Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Key Responsibilities Act as the primary bridge between inpatient teams (hospitalists, oncology, case management) and outpatient oncology services (clinic, infusion, radiation oncology). Coordinate and facilitate timely scheduling of post-discharge appointments, including oncology clinic visits, chemotherapy/immunotherapy infusions, and radiation therapy. Review discharge summaries and plans of care to ensure accurate, timely and complete transition of information to outpatient teams. Perform daily inpatient oncology census review to ensure appropriate level and location of care, identify patients nearing discharge readiness, and initiate early interventions to resolve barriers and streamline transitions. Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, social workers, nursing, pharmacy, and support services to align discharge readiness with outpatient capacity and patient needs. Identify and proactively address barriers to discharge and follow-up care (e.g., authorization, transportation, treatment readiness, social determinants of health). Serve as a clinical resource to inpatient and outpatient teams regarding oncology treatment pathways, timing, and coordination requirements. Ensure appropriate patient education and understanding of follow-up plans, reinforcing discharge instructions related to oncology care. Communicate critical clinical information, pending results, and treatment plans to outpatient teams to ensure continuity and safety. Track and monitor post-discharge follow-through, escalating gaps or delays in care as needed. Partner with case management and social work to support complex discharge planning and resource coordination. Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing delays in care, avoidable readmissions, and patient dissatisfaction related to transitions. While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.
Qualifications
Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Nursing. RN license issued by the State of California. BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date. Must have a minimum of 3-5 years of demonstrated oncology (inpatient or outpatient) care coordination experience. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with all levels of staff, physicals, patients, and their families. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with team members across multiple departments. Excellent critical thinking, clinical and patient teaching skills with vulnerable patient population. Demonstrated ability to rapidly prioritize and manage care in a fast-paced environment. Evidence of commitment to lifelong learning (e.g., professional certification, clinical ladder advancement, and so forth).