What is the primary role of an oncology nurse navigator?

The primary role of an oncology nurse navigator is to coordinate patient care within the healthcare system. This includes assisting patients in navigating the complexities of cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and coordinating between various healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and continuous care. Nurse navigators play an essential role in addressing barriers to care, facilitating communication among the care team, and ensuring that patients receive the necessary support and resources throughout their treatment journey.

While leading treatment sessions is a critical role for some healthcare providers, such as physicians or nurse practitioners, it is not the main focus of a nurse navigator. Conducting research on cancer treatments is typically reserved for clinical researchers or oncology nurses in advanced practice roles, rather than for navigators whose primary focus is on patient care. Nutritional counseling could be beneficial for cancer patients, yet it is usually performed by dietitians or nutritionists, not specifically by nurse navigators, whose role is more comprehensive in terms of overall care coordination. Thus, the role of the nurse navigator is distinct and centered on ensuring that patients effectively navigate their cancer care pathways.