Oncology nurse navigators play a critical role in the cancer journey by providing individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help understand and manage the healthcare system and overcome barriers. Nurse navigators provide education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality health care, including emotional support, throughout all phases of the cancer continuum.

This award recognizes outstanding patient-centered care that is provided every day to cancer survivors and their caregivers by oncology navigators. If you know someone who has provided outstanding care,

Please review the information below and then submit your nomination.

Definition of Patient Navigator

Patient navigation in cancer care refers to specialized assistance for the community, patients, families, and caregivers in overcoming barriers to receiving care and facilitating timely access to clinical services and resources.

The navigation process may include, but is not limited to:

• Reducing barriers to care (which may include patient-centered, provider-centered, or health system-centered barriers) by assisting in accessing available resources to overcome barriers on-site or by formal referral, and/or creatively helping with gaps in the available resources to overcome barriers
• Improving access to, and timeliness of, cancer services.
• Providing strong support and guidance for timely access to the cancer care system.
• Making the system clearer and increasing coordination among doctors.
• Helping patients and their loved ones understand their diagnosis and treatment plan options.