Why should oncology nurses have another certification on top of the one(s) they already have? Why would healthcare administrators support oncology navigator certification among multiple certification programs? Does this certification make a difference when physicians hire for a nurse?
In this episode, Lisa Hartman, MS, MA, BSEd, BSN, RN, Director of Certification, AONN+ Foundation for Learning, Inc, talks with a group of experts about the value of oncology navigator certification from the perspectives of patient and nurse navigators, administrators, and physicians.
Here are 3 takeaways from this episode:
- Certification boosts the confidence for patients with cancer. Oncology navigation is a relatively new profession that consolidates previously discrete roles such as patient navigator, financial navigator, social worker, and care coordinator. As cancer care becomes increasingly complex, it is reassuring for patients to know that they can count on a certified, all-encompassing navigator who is able to work seamlessly with the treatment team and help with many other needs of the patients.
- Certification helps with the bottom line of hospitals and health systems. Certified oncology navigators can help patients through the entire scope of their disease from diagnosis through lifetime survivorship. As a result, healthcare administrators can expect to see more patients and higher retention rates as the patients are identified earlier and will stay longer.
- Certification helps navigators advance in their careers. A certification equips oncology navigators with both clinical and nonclinical knowledge of cancer care, which allows for a smooth integration into a multidisciplinary treatment team. The certification thus becomes a “stamp of validation” that is welcomed by administrators and physicians during job interviews.
To learn more about the Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation podcast and to view our series schedule,
please visit our podcasts page.
Stay tuned for the next episode:
Leadership for Navigation: Sustainability on How Leadership Promotes Values of Navigation
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
