ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Oncology Nursing Society published Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) Core Competencies in 2013. However, a 2016 role delineation study (RDS) indicated that the role had evolved since their release. The RDS also indicated that a growing number of nurse navigators have extensive oncology and navigation experience. OBJECTIVES: The update to the competencies was undertaken to identify current responsibilities of ONNs and differentiate novice from expert practice. METHODS: A list of competencies was developed based on a literature review, evaluation of the 2013 competencies, and input from six expert ONNs. These draft competencies were vetted through field and expert review, with subsequent updates. FINDINGS: The 2017 competencies include 52 competencies.
Subject(s)
Clinical Competence/standards , Nurse's Role , Oncology Nursing/standards , Patient Navigation/standards , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The care of patients with cancer has evolved to include various lay and professional roles to enhance care coordination with the focus on delivering patient-centered care. Oncology nurses in the role of oncology nurse navigators (ONNs) contribute to the delivery of patient-centered care by guiding patients and families through the cancer continuum and providing resources to overcome system and practical barriers and to enhance psychosocial support and cancer-specific education. However, the role of the ONN is often defined differently depending on the practice setting and institutional policy. The result is an inconsistent assortment of role functions and educational backgrounds. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to promote standardization of the role of the ONN as well as the structure and boundaries of how ONNs function. METHODS: A project team was established by the Oncology Nursing Society to develop a professional practice framework and to identify core competencies for use by ONNs across a variety of practice settings. FINDINGS: The development of core competencies as well as examples of how the core competencies can be applied to ONN practice will help to define the ONN role and better serve the needs of patients with cancer, their families, and their caregivers.
