The importance of the role of the navigator nurse in cancer patient care

Authors

  • Bianca Silva Duque Souza Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermagem em Genética e Genômica
  • Erika Maria Monteiro Santos Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermagem em Genética e Genômica - SBEGG https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7315-9843

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61229/mpj.v1i2.11

Keywords:

nursing; patient navigation; oncology.

Abstract

This article highlights the fundamental importance of nurse navigators in the context of cancer patient treatment. Navigators act as care facilitators, emotional support providers, and care coordinators. They can contribute to reducing treatment delays, enabling patients to access necessary care more quickly and effectively. Nurse navigators play a vital role in providing emotional support throughout the patient's journey. The article also underscores the significance of the competencies required for nurse navigators to effectively perform their role. This includes a solid knowledge of oncology, communication and interpersonal skills, care coordination, patient advocacy, cultural and social competence, emotional support, and skills to ensure care continuity. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of nurse navigators, the article emphasizes the need for further research to fully assess their impact and effectiveness in the context of oncological care in Brazil. This could lead to a better understanding of the value of these professionals and the establishment of clearer guidelines and standards for their practice in the country.

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Author Biography

Erika Maria Monteiro Santos, Sociedade Brasileira de Enfermagem em Genética e Genômica - SBEGG

Degree in Nursing from the University of São Paulo (1997), Master's (2003) and Doctorate (2008) in Sciences (Oncology) from Fundação Antônio Prudente. Specialization: in SUS Preceptorship Education (2015) and Improvement in Health Processes (2017) by the Instituto Sírio-Libanês de Ensino e Pesquisa. Specialization in Higher Education Methodology from Anhembi-Morumbi University (2020). Specialist in Instructional Design from the Instructional Design Institute (2021). Specialist in Nursing in Genetics and Genomics from the Brazilian Society of Nursing in Genetics and Genomics (SBEGG). President of SBEGG. Vice-president of the Hereditary Tumor Study Group (LA-GETH).

References

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Published

2023-11-30

How to Cite

Silva Duque Souza, B., & Monteiro Santos, E. M. (2023). The importance of the role of the navigator nurse in cancer patient care. Mário Penna Journal, 1(2), 74–81. https://doi.org/10.61229/mpj.v1i2.11