Takeaways from Episode 4 of the Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation Podcast: Professional Development and the Role of Certification

In this episode of the AONN+ Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation podcast, Emily Gentry, BSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, OCN; Monica Dean, HON-OPN-CG; Margaret Rummel, RN, MHA, OCN, NE-BC, HON-ONN-CG; and Zarek Mena, OPN-CG, discussed professional development and certification for oncology navigators.

The AONN+ pledge states: As a navigator, I pledge my head to share knowledge and inform decision-making. My heart to empower advocacy and loyalty. My hands to deliver compassion and remove barriers. My hope to embrace and preserve quality of life.

Each component of the navigator pledge can relate back to oncology navigators and the steps they take in furthering their careers and developing their knowledge. Some key takeaways from episode 4 include:

1. From a nonclinician standpoint, Zarek believes in getting rid of the prenotion of medical hierarchy. Seek out mentorship and work alongside clinicians to grow your skill set.
2. Dean emphasized that certification demonstrates to patients, caregivers, and healthcare partners, the caliber of their navigator. The AONN+ Foundation for Learning Certification establishes baseline competencies centered on roles, responsibilities, and knowledge.
3. Rummel says no 2 days are ever the same. Oncology navigators have the opportunity to learn every day from patients, their families, and colleagues on how to assess barriers and help patients overcome those barriers.

As we continue to grow our expertise, we complement each other and become a team for our patients. Professional development and certification is an investment in ourselves that keeps our patient as the center of our care.