Honoring Oncology Nurse Navigators

• 2009: The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN) was founded—the largest organization focused on advancing navigation in oncology. 
• 2012-2013: Accreditation bodies, including the Commission on Cancer (2012) and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (2013), began requiring patient navigation as part of quality cancer care.  
• 2013: The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) released the Oncology Nurse Navigator Competencies, setting national standards for the skills and knowledge required. 

An Evolving Role 

Over the last decade, the ONN role has continued to evolve. Certification programs, such as those launched by AONN in 2016, established standardized knowledge and best practices, while national organizations emphasized the importance of ongoing education and credentialing. Additionally, with the implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s Oncology Care Model in 2016, patient navigation became a required element in value-based cancer care delivery. Today, ONNs are widely recognized as critical members of the care team, supporting patients throughout the entire cancer continuum—from prevention and early detection to active treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. 

A Day in the Life of an Oncology Nurse Navigator 

The daily responsibilities of an oncology nurse navigator are dynamic, reflecting the highly individualized and evolving needs of patients with cancer. A typical day may include meeting with new patients to explain their diagnoses and treatment plans, helping them process their emotions, and ensuring they understand next steps. ONNs spend time coordinating across multidisciplinary teams to schedule appointments, align care plans, and ensure timely follow-up. They are constantly identifying potential barriers to care, such as transportation issues, financial toxicity, or lack of support systems, and they connect patients with resources to address these challenges. 

Equally important is the emotional and psychosocial support they provide. ONNs often serve as a listening ear and trusted guide, helping patients manage fear, uncertainty, and distress. They may refer patients to support groups, counseling, or survivorship programs. Throughout all of this, documentation remains a critical aspect of the role. ONNs keep detailed records of care coordination efforts, patient concerns, and outcome tracking, which can inform quality improvement efforts and future program development. 

The nature of their work varies widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, the institutional setting, and the patient population. Despite this variability, ONNs are united by shared qualities: clinical expertise, compassion, adaptability, and a fierce dedication to their patients’ well-being. 

ONNs represent the best of what nursing brings to cancer care—clinical skill, empathy, and a commitment to equity and patient-centered care. Whether they are explaining test results, easing a patient’s fears before surgery, or helping a family coordinate hospice care, ONNs are a steady, trusted presence during one of life’s most vulnerable times. 

This Oncology Nursing Month, ACCC recognizes the profound difference these nurses make every day. Their expertise and advocacy ensure that patients receive excellent care and compassionate guidance every step of the way.