You may have heard the term “Nurse Navigator” or “Patient Navigator” more recently when discussing your health, imaging procedures, cancer care or other related services. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations are identifying someone to be a patient navigator – and Harrington is no exception.
In short, a patient or nurse navigator is your advocate for care – from the initial consultation right through treatment. Nurse navigators are most commonly found in oncology to help patients through their cancer diagnosis and individualized care plan.
As a navigator, Maxine assesses clinical, emotional, spiritual, psychosocial, financial and other patient needs. She works closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide improved comprehensive services to patients and will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on outcome measures. If a positive diagnosis of breast cancer is found, she will schedule tests, procedures, appointments, and treatments, as well as initiate and complete the survivorship care plan.
Skills for a nurse navigator
#1. Cultural openness
A nurse navigator may be open to learning about different lifestyles and cultures by handling many patients. A patient’s cultural experience might differ from the nurse navigator’s, but they take time to listen and learn to help all patients feel most comfortable while engaging in treatments and healthcare procedures. They can do this through open discussions with patients, consultations and research.
#2. Commitment to patient confidentiality
Most nurses working in different clinical settings are aware of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of patient information. However, nurse navigators might require more awareness because of their interactions with many people from different departments.
For example, those working with social workers or other consultants outside of healthcare might stay diligent to ensure patient privacy and safety when sharing records and details of a particular case.
#3. Respect for others
Having respect for other individuals might seem natural in healthcare, but the nurse navigator’s position requires diligence in this field to show understanding and patience. Nurse navigators can set a precedence of respect for others through achievable expectations and boundaries.
For example, nurse navigators may not judge a patient’s lifestyle habits or financial circumstances when providing care. Their focus is solely on helping the patient through the current medical situation.
#4. Strong communication
By the nature of the position, nurse navigators interact with many people from different fields, backgrounds and education levels throughout their day.
This position requires collaboration with other team members for effective healthcare service delivery. Being able to deliver reliable, responsive and open communication can help them meet their patient’s needs.
#5. Dedication to advocacy
A nurse navigator interacts with many patients, educating and guiding them through treatment procedures. Ensuring they accurately interpret medical information to patients and help them access quality treatment for their conditions.
Many nurse navigators serve as representatives for their patient’s best interests when searching for medical consultations, diagnostics, treatment and recovery from other healthcare professionals.
#6. Multitasking ability
Nurse navigators may perform various roles and responsibilities when providing care to their patients. Learning how to handle several tasks or cases at one time could be beneficial in this role.
You may also benefit from enjoying a constant change in your daily routine, as each patient offers a unique set of challenges and rewards.
Basic Duties of a Nurse Navigator
#1. Connecting Patients to Community Resources
Newly diagnosed patients may feel fear and isolation, but nurse navigators make certain that patients know they aren‘t alone. Connecting patients to local support groups can mitigate panic and help them learn that with a strong network of professionals, they will be able to cope more adaptively with their illness.
#2. Providing Clinical Resources
Nurses in this field possess the most up-to-date information about a host of clinical options available within a specific locale and elsewhere. They are also schooled in how to direct a patient to seek a second opinion.
#3. Monitoring Symptoms
Nurse navigators record their patients‘ symptoms and take great care to notice the slightest change in a patient‘s condition, in case they need to bring in other specialists or run tests.
#4. Psychological Assistance
These professionals also provide support and comfort for patients who may feel completely overwhelmed by their disease. If a nurse navigator sees their patient going into a downward spiral, they may recommend treatment from a mental health specialist.