Navigator RN
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Gig Harbor, WA, 98335
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 45.8-73.28 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Sign on Bonus for qualifying new external RN Navigators available!
Franciscan Medical Group, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is currently seeking a full time RN-Navigator for our Franciscan Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic in Gig Harbor, WA.Team based environment in very busy Orthopedic clinic. No nights, evenings, weekends or organizationally recognized holidays required. Come join our fast-paced, energetic team in a great learning environment.
Job Summary:
This job is responsible for coordinating the individualized care continuum for patients diagnosed with on-going critical health conditions by serving as an advocate, educator, consultant, leader and community ambassador for the specific patient population served in accordance with CHI Franciscan Health (CHI-FH) standards/guidelines, applicable statutory requirements and accepted clinical practice for the clinical nurse profession to achieve quality, cost-effective and patient-focused outcomes. An incumbent is a consistent care coordinator throughout the continuum of care and is able to assess the physical, psychological and social needs of the patient. Work is strongly focused on: 1) guiding the patient/family through the complex healthcare system, working to eliminate barriers that might otherwise adversely impact patient care/outcomes; and 2) helping to coordinate the efforts of the medical team to facilitate continuity of care and enhance patient satisfaction.
Incumbents are also accountable for keeping abreast of new/changing regulatory requirements impacting matters within designated scope of responsibility; maintaining current knowledge of departmental policies/standards/procedures, Joint Commission standards, new clinical procedures/processes, patient safety goals, core measure quality indicators and other issues/requirements impacting matters within assigned scope of responsibility; ensuring these factors are considered and integrated into clinical, performance improvement and education activities.
Essential Duties:
- Coordinates care for all assigned patients throughout the continuum of care from diagnosis to release from care. Develops and shares assessments, goals, nursing interventions and patient response; remains a support system throughout the patient’s course of treatment.
- Provides education to meet the needs to patient, families, healthcare providers, and the community.
- Consults and collaborates with other providers to meet the medical, social, and financial needs of patients; Formulates an individualized, holistic care plan for patients and evaluates general management of patients and patient’s response to nursing interventions and multi-disciplinary treatment plans.
- Provides accurate and timely data tracking, management, evaluation and reporting of clinical/treatment protocols/practices through ongoing observation and analysis of current activities.
- Provides operational support and contributes to clinical research activities conducted by department.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or other related discipline, graduation from an accredited school of nursing, and three years of related professional nursing work experience in the clinical focus area that demonstrates the attainment of the requisite job knowledge, skills and abilities. Previous navigator work experience is strongly preferred.
- Additional equivalent qualifying work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities may be substituted for two years of the degree requirement (Associate’s degree required).
- Master’s degree in Nursing or related field is strongly preferred.
License/Certification:
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
- Current Healthcare Provider BLS Certification.
- If assigned to Cardiology/EP department: Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- If assigned to Oncology department: Certification by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) required within one year of date of hire.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
A Navigator RN in Gig Harbor plays a crucial role by streamlining communication between patients and multidisciplinary medical teams, ensuring seamless care transitions. Their expertise helps overcome barriers in complex healthcare systems, boosting patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes in orthopedic and sports medicine settings.
Navigator RNs in Washington often benefit from certifications like BLS and, depending on specialization, ACLS or Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN). These credentials validate critical skills necessary for safe, effective patient care, aligning with state licensure requirements and elevating navigator roles in clinical environments.
Unlike traditional nursing roles, Navigator RNs focus on guiding patients through healthcare systems, coordinating care plans, and acting as advocates. Their responsibilities extend beyond bedside care to include education, community liaison, and holistic management of chronic conditions, making their role pivotal in patient-centered care models.
Catholic Health Initiatives supports Navigator RNs with pathways toward leadership, specialized clinical roles, and involvement in healthcare innovation projects. Working here offers exposure to a diverse patient population and collaborative teams, fostering professional growth tailored to evolving healthcare landscapes.
Gig Harbor's Navigator RN openings tend to be less saturated than Seattle’s, offering candidates a favorable balance of demand and competition. While Seattle has a broader healthcare ecosystem, Gig Harbor provides a community-focused environment with growing opportunities in orthopedic and specialty clinics.
Gig Harbor's healthcare facilities often offer predictable schedules with no night, weekend, or holiday shifts, appealing to those prioritizing work-life balance. The area’s traffic patterns are moderate, making commutes manageable compared to urban Seattle, which is a significant factor for local nurses.
Catholic Health Initiatives in Gig Harbor offers sign-on bonuses for qualifying external RN Navigators, reflecting their commitment to attracting skilled professionals. These incentives boost recruitment competitiveness and recognize the specialized expertise Navigator RNs bring to patient care coordination.
Navigator RNs at Catholic Health Initiatives benefit from a team-based, fast-paced orthopedic clinic environment that emphasizes education and innovation. The organization’s deep-rooted values in compassionate care and community engagement create a supportive workplace culture unique to this employer.
Navigator RNs in Gig Harbor typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This range aligns with regional healthcare compensation trends, reflecting the specialized skills required for nursing navigation roles within orthopedic and specialty care clinics.
Essential skills include comprehensive assessment abilities, strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Navigator RNs must adeptly coordinate care plans, provide education, and address psychosocial barriers, ensuring holistic support for patients managing ongoing health challenges.