Compassion comes naturally to those who work in oncology. Oncology nurse and patient navigators use their compassion to provide patient-centered care, continuously working to overcome barriers and build bridges for their patients. Navigators are so devoted to patient care that they can often forget to take care of themselves, resulting in compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma. We want to relieve the burdens from our patients’ shoulders, but taking on this responsibility can often manifest physically, emotionally, and psychologically, leading to a high burnout rate in the nursing profession.
At AONN+, we understand the fatigue that can come with working in oncology, especially for navigators who handle a large patient caseload while feeling like they persistently need to explain their role and prove its value to their institutions and multidisciplinary team. That’s why we’ve set out to provide you the tools, resources, and advice from key thought leaders that will instill confidence and allow you to provide patient-centered care.
Becoming an AONN+ member means gaining access to member-exclusive content and a peek into the minds of oncology innovators. Every other Friday, members receive Navigation & Survivorship News in their e-mail inbox. The newsletter features excerpts from AONN+ Co-Founder Lillie Shockney, AONN+ Program Director Sharon Gentry, and Mandi Pratt-Chapman, PhD, Associate Center Director of Patient-Centered Initiatives and Health Equity for the George Washington Cancer Center.
Mandi’s column entitled “Plus Pointers” provides a deep dive into patient-centered care, providing health equity resources, insights on the LGBTQ community, cultural humility training, and more. The information provided in this column sets oncology navigators up for success in providing compassionate care.
As a member, you can also receive advice straight from Lillie herself by asking a question to What Would Lillie Do? (WWLD). As a seasoned oncology nurse navigator, Lillie has a vast depth of knowledge and advice to provide to you. There is no problem too big, too little, or that Lillie hasn’t heard or experienced before. Her advice will help guide you through your role and provide relief for any pain points you may be experiencing.
At AONN+, we get it. We understand your role, your needs, and your fatigue. If you’re already a member, check out some of the member-exclusive content you have access to:
- Oncology Navigation & Survivorship News
- WWLD?
- FREE access to online courses that allow you to earn continuing education hours
- Special rates for AONN+ FFL certifications
Thinking of joining? Become a member and discover why more than 8900 navigation professionals proudly state, “I Am AONN+.”
Show us what being a member of AONN+ means to you!
- Take a photo with the printout
- Post it on your social media profile
- Tag us and use #IAmAONN
