Member's Memo

Go It Alone

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
The phrase “go it alone” is often used when someone decides to do something by themselves, without help from others. Sharon sees a different spin on this phrase and, in this month’s Members Memo, discusses how it can also be an ode to the independence and resilience of our Local Navigation Networks.

The History of the “+” in the AONN+ Logo

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
In 2013, nurses made up the majority of AONN membership, but many patient navigators without clinical licensure were also joining. This realization, paired with several timely initiatives, spurred AONN to change its name to the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators, Inc.® (AONN+) later that year.

Local Navigation Networks (LNNs): Welcoming Newly Formed Networks and Reporting Best Practices from Existing Ones

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
LNNs have been consistently growing since their inception in 2013. In 2023, there are 35 national, international, and virtual LNN groups. Sharon’s latest Members’ Memo welcomes the 6 newly formed LNNs (5 new, 1 consolidation) and shares tips, tricks, and best practices for maximizing engagement as reported from existing LNN leaders.

Promoting Professionalism Through Local Navigation Networks

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
No matter what stage of your career you’re in, you should always be on the lookout for professional development opportunities. Said opportunities won’t just fall into your lap—you have to pursue them. Think of exploring professional development opportunities like peeling an onion. When approaching professional development in this way, you are able to take the necessary time to slowly peel each layer back at a comfortable pace. The more layers you peel, the more involved you’ll be. Read on for a step-by-step approach.

Congratulations to the AONN+ Outstanding LNN Award Winner, Middle Tennessee

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
Lindsey Coleman and Kathleen Serfass accepted Middle Tennessee’s award honoring the active role their local navigation network plays in advancing the role of patient, nurse, and/or social work navigation. In this article, we’re breaking down the tactics Middle Tennessee uses to facilitate communication and education among their navigation community so others can duplicate their efforts.

Measuring the Impact of Your Scholarship Donation

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN

Recently, AONN+ scholarship recipient and conference attendee Meghan Lundvall, RN, BA, OCN, shared the ways in which her clinic has “changed dramatically since [attending] the 2021 AONN+ Annual Conference.” Her inspiring story is a testament to the worthwhile generosity of the AONN+ community.

Sharon Gentry’s latest contribution to the AONN+ member blog shares how your scholarship donations grant equal opportunities for the wider navigation community to learn, share, and move forward together.

Local Navigation Networks a Powerful Educational Resource

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
AONN+’s Local Navigation Networks (LNNs) tackled the industry’s hottest topics and trends. Sharon Gentry shares LNNs’ biggest takeaways and lessons learned as related to navigational challenges due to the lack of oncology coverage, the impact and appropriateness of genetic testing, and the difference between a mediocre and phenomenal career.

Not a Navigator? The Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice Can Still Work for You!

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
It turns out that the Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice aren’t just for clinical and patient navigators. In her latest contribution to the AONN+ member blog, Sharon Gentry explains how people in nonclinical roles can benefit from these standards too.

AONN+ Helping to Bring Advanced Diagnostic Technology to Providers and Patients

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
Early detection is key in the fight against cancer. Now, a powerful tool could make early detection easier—all with a simple blood test. Sharon Gentry’s latest contribution to the AONN+ member blog shares how the Academy and navigators at-large are playing an important role in bringing this cutting-edge technology to providers and their patients.

Where Are the Local Navigator Networks (LNN)?

Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN
AONN+ has been making a concerted effort to develop a local and regional network of navigators to facilitate communication and education among peers and to improve patient outcomes and survivorship.