While nurse navigation is a relatively new concept in health care, it is catching on fast. More organizations are launching nurse navigation programs and, in the process, providing patients and their families with a valuable resource who can help make “navigating” the care continuum a less daunting experience. This resource: nurse navigators.
But what is a nurse navigator? How this role is defined can vary from organization to organization, and specialty to specialty. Here are 10 ways organizations have defined “nurse navigator.”
1. Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center: “Nurse navigators help educate and advocate for patients throughout their cancer diagnosis and treatment. They may also help patients access the necessary support services and/or direct them to resources that will help remove any barriers for getting to their appointments or completing their treatment regimen.”
2. CHI Health: “A nurse navigator is an oncology-certified nurse who is available to guide you and your family through the entire process of diagnosis and treatment… The nurse navigator is a single point of contact who will be there with you every step of the way. The nurse navigator assists with scheduling initial tests and consultations. They also collaborate with members of the medical team to ensure information is current and understood by all of the physicians, nurses and other team members. They help the patient and family members understand his or her diagnosis and plan of care.”
3. Genesis Health System (Genesis Cancer Care Institute): “A nurse navigator will guide your way through your cancer journey. They will be a one-on-one contact person, resource and guide; educate and communicate so that patients and families understand their treatment options or what their treatments, tests or procedures mean; and help throughout the entire course of treatment and even after treatment has ended.”
4. Richmond University Medical Center: “Our nurse navigator serves as your advocate throughout the screening process. For you, this coordinated effort translates into faster treatment, better outcomes, and fewer headaches. Navigation services ensure your needs are met in a timely manner.”
5. SSM Health: “A nurse navigator is an oncology nurse who is available to guide patients and their families every step of the way, from diagnosis through treatment. If the diagnosis is cancer, they help guide patients through the maze of options and frequent questions related to the disease. In addition, they provide educational and emotional support for patients and their family members, and serve as a valuable liaison between patients and the comprehensive team of treatment providers.”
6. Mercy Health System: “The oncology nurse navigator assists patients and their family members from the time a suspected cancer is diagnosed through treatment and follow-up, providing support at critical points, and providing patients and family members with information on various support services available to them.
“The navigators guide patients through their cancer management by developing personalized treatment plans and helping to facilitate meetings with top-notch oncology specialists, surgeons and support team members. Their goal is to guide patients through each step of their care and make the journey as stress-free as possible.”
7. Thibodaux Regional Medical Center (Spine Center of Excellence): “Your Nurse Navigator coordinates the efforts of your care team— managing your treatment plans, making appointments, and following up with you and your spine surgeon or doctor to be sure your treatment is effective.”
8. North Kansas City Hospital (Cancer Rehab and Wellness Center): Nurse navigators provide education and psychosocial support, and help guide you through the healthcare system. They also act as liaisons between you and your doctor; make diagnostic follow up easier and more timely; attend doctor appointments, if needed; answer questions; provide information about local support groups.
9. Baptist Health Lexington (Lexington Cancer Care Center): “Baptist Health nurse navigators are here to steer patients and their families through what can often be an overwhelming string of medical reports, surgery plans and follow-up treatments. Our nurse navigators work with patients and members of their medical team to ease stress and assist with questions and education through the entire treatment process.
10. Spectrum Health: “Your nurse navigator is a nurse with special training and certification in cancer services who will help you make your way through the health care system. An advocate, the navigator will be there to make sure you receive all the services we provide and offer explanations when you need them and encouragement when you want it.”