An oncology nurse navigator is a health care professional trained in cancer care, who guides and supports patients and their families through the many challenges of cancer. The navigator is dedicated to bringing together all multidisciplinary team members involved in a patient's care.

The oncology nurse navigator will provide assistance with:

  • Understanding diagnosis and available treatment options
  • Understanding what resources are available and how to access them
  • Overcoming barriers and coordinating care with the entire healthcare team, including:
    • Surgeons
    • Medical oncologists
    • Radiation oncologists
    • Plastic surgeons
    • Genetic counselors
    • Support groups
    • Dieticians
    • Physical/Lymphedema therapists
    • Radiologists
  • Understanding your medications
  • Connecting patients with outside resource centers such as the American Cancer Society and PearlPoint Cancer Support for group support and cancer-related products
  • Providing educational materials
  • Improving communication between the members of a patient's healthcare team
  • Offering patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials