Recognizing TCSC Nurse Navigators

Thompson’s Nurse Navigators Achieve Excellence

In 2021, several Thompson Cancer Survival Center (TCSC) nurse navigators obtained additional nursing certifications. Some earned the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Oncology Nurse Navigator- Certified Generalist certification. Others earned the certification as Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN), and some added both to their lists of credentials.

We want to celebrate these professionals’ achievements and acknowledge their personal investment of time and effort. They studied, prepared, and passed these strenuous certification exams while continuing to work in their navigation roles, delivering excellent care to their patients.

What is a Nurse Navigator?

Nurse navigators serve as patient advocates. Helping patients navigate the treatment process and connecting them to resources and information to make informed decisions. 

From patient education to connecting patients with both community and clinical resources, nurse navigators ensure patients are soundly informed and have the support they need to take on their recovery journey.

Nurse Navigators and Cancer Treatment

Cancer can be an overwhelming diagnosis for patients to manage. Nurse navigators are critical members of the cancer care team. They work with patients throughout the cancer care journey, from diagnosis through treatments, helping patients continue forward on their care paths.

Patients can rely on the expertise of their navigators to guide them with education, help with medical team communication, know the reason for various tests and procedures, and ensure these get scheduled as planned. Nurse navigators can also help patients manage side effects, connect them to resources, and offer support and encouragement along the way.

Congratulations to our TCSC Nurse Navigators:

• Lucy Davis, RN, BSN, OCN, ONN-CG
• Lawana Evans, RN, BSN, ONN-CG
• Lora Fout, RN, OCN, ONN-CG
• Jodi Haney, RN, OCN, ONN-CG
• Sydney Keck, RN, OCN, ONN-CG
• Susan Rutherford, RN, BSN, CN-BN, OCN
• Melisa Williams, RN, OCN, ONN-CG

In addition to the nurse navigators listed above who obtained certifications in 2021, the following TCSC nurse navigators hold specialized credentials:

• Karen Gentile, RN, BSN, OCN
• Teresa King, RN, OCN
• Beverly Sutton, RN, OCN
• Shila Newman, RN, OCN, ONN-CG

Nurse Navigator Accolades

Thompson’s CAO and President, Scott Warwick, applauded these navigators saying, “These certifications are a great benefit to our program but most of all to our patients. Earning these endorsements demonstrates that our Nurse Navigator staff is knowledgeable, well-credentialed, and passionate about caring for their patient’s needs.”

In response to her fellow navigators’ success, TCSC Oncology Nurse Navigator and Supervisor, Shila Newman, RN, OCN, ONN – CG, shares, “We are so very proud of the hard work and accomplishments of these ladies. We are also honored to work alongside such intelligent, caring, dedicated, and hardworking individuals.”

Debbie Bowles, TCSC Director of Cancer Support Services, reinforces these sentiments adding, “I am consistently impressed with this team of incredible individuals. Their determination to serve our patients well, whether by investing in their own continuing education or by going above and beyond to help patients find needed resources, attests to their passion for their calling. They truly bless the lives of those they touch.”

Learn how nurse navigators can make a difference in the recent blog: A Call to Care for Others which highlights Lawana Evans, one of Thompson’s nurse navigators.

Explore Thompson’s 2020 Annual Report to read about Lucy Davis, another TCSC nurse navigator.

Measuring Impact on Patients

Thompson Cancer Survival Center’s nurse navigator program boasts oncology-experienced and credentialed nurse navigators who work with cancer patients across the system, shepherding patients through encounters with multiple providers in various specialties, remaining a constant presence along the way.

These professionals bring great value to patients and providers and certainly differentiate Thompson’s oncology program. In 2020, Thompson’s nurse navigators served 1,328 patients and delivered 21,985 education encounters. To confirm the value and positive impact this program has on patients, consider the nurse navigators’ 99% patient satisfaction score in 2020.

About the Navigator Certifications

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) was incorporated in 1984, and the first certification examination was given in 1986. There are around 37,000 nurses currently certified by one of the ONCC’s eight credential programs.

The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Oncology Nurse Navigator- Certified Generalist certification is accredited through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board and is recognized by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

Follow the links to learn more about the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) or Oncology Nurse Navigator–Certified Generalist℠ (ONN-CG℠) programs.

Learn more about Thompson Cancer Survival Center.