AONN+ Blog

Defining and Measuring Oncology Nurse Navigation Success

A Navigator shares how lessons learned at the AONN+ Annual Conference led her care team to make impactful practice changes

A Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Anxiety Management Before Cancer Surgery

Preoperative anxiety before cancer surgery may adversely affect patient outcomes. A research study attempted to alleviate anxiety symptoms by utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach that involves oncology nurse navigator, behavioral health nurse, social worker, dietitian, and surgeon.

The Impact of Comorbidity on Cancer Screening

Many patients with cancer have noncancer medical conditions. The presence of comorbidity impacts almost every stage of a cancer journey and may either facilitate or delay the early detection of certain cancers.

What I Achieved with My AONN+ Conference Scholarship

Attending the AONN+ Annual Conference helped validate and improve my tracking of prior authorization work, distress screenings, social work referrals, and new patient referral documentation to show the need for additional staff in these areas.

Why Indigenous Navigator Programs Become So Popular

In the field of cancer care, there is a growing acknowledgment of the value of indigenous patient navigators in improving patient outcomes.

3 Strategies to Address Transportation Barriers for Patients with Cancer

Transportation barriers particularly affect patients with cancer who need timely access to care. Read on for strategies to address these barriers as presented at the 2022 AONN+ Midyear Conference.

What Inspires Me to Show Up Every Single Day?

I said it then, and I say it now—oncology is a calling. But being a navigator truly puts life into perspective.

Breast Cancer Patients’ Perception of Their Body Image

For patients with breast cancer who need surgery, we should encourage them to think this way—“when you look down, don’t see that your breast is gone; see instead that the cancer is gone.”

Financial Navigation Helps Address Financial Toxicity of Patients with Cancer

Financial toxicity impacts treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with cancer. Researchers say establishing sustainable oncology-designated financial navigation roles is imperative to expanding patient support and improving health and financial outcomes of patients.

Compassion Starts with You

As a burnout coach and from my own experience, I have found practicing self-love and self-compassion is an effective tool for improving personal resiliency that can help increase a navigator’s compassion for patients.