1. The Emerging Role Of the Nurse Navigator in Head and Neck Cancer
Tammy J. Cass RN, BSN
Nurse Navigator
Center for Head, Neck, Maxillofacial/Reconstructive Surgery

2. History of the Nurse Navigator Role
1990 Dr. Harold Freeman, Harlem Hospital New York
2001 The presidents Cancer Panel supported increased funding for the nurse navigator
2006 CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) funded 6 projects to assist patients in overcoming barriers in health care, utilizing nurse navigators

3. Educational Requirements
Individualized to each health system
St. John Providence health lists a BSN for minimum education
Nurse Navigator training courses are available
Certification for Nurse Navigator
Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators

4. Exactly what does a Nurse Navigator do all day??
Very literally helps the patient navigate health care
Liaison to patients, physicians, & hospital departments
Coordinate appointments with providers
Support patient and their family with psychological & Psychosocial stressors related to their diagnoses and treatment
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork to achieve optimal clinical outcomes within effective time frame
Provide education and support to SICU, Operating room, and hospital units regarding patient treatment.
Follow up with patients and family at regular intervals prior to, during, and after surgery.
On-call responsibilities for patient and hospital staff access

5. Evaluation of what the Nurse Navigator means to the Health System
Increased patient and family over all satisfaction
Improved patient outcomes
Decreased patient and family anxiety
Decreased length of stay
Reduced treatment delays
Patient retention within the system
This translates into financial return on investment for the institution

7. References
Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation institute. Patient Navigation Program
Cumberland Medical Center, programs and services; Nurse Navigator Program
Freeman HP, Rodriguez RL. History and principles of patient navigation. Cancer. 2011; 117 (s15):
Commission on Cancer. Cancer Program Standards 2012: Ensuring Patient-Centered Care. Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons;
Shockney L. Becoming a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2010
American Hospital Association. Summary View of Hospitals in the United States. Washington, DC: American Hospital Association;