Member's Memo

What is the key to happiness? One of the most credible research studies ever published points to 2 factors: taking care of one’s health and building loving relationships with others. These are practices that the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) encourages among all our members through our standards of professional oncology navigation practice and local navigation networks.

It has been a productive 2023 for AONN+’s active Local Navigation Networks (LNNs). Through these gatherings, members benefit from the sharing of resources—whether they are local, statewide, or supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

As the navigation profession grows in numbers and value, so do our Local Navigation Networks (LNNs). In this month’s Member’s Memo, AONN+ Program Director Sharon Gentry shares how 2 of our LNNs have adapted to better accommodate members’ needs and announces the launch of 3 new LNNs!

The phrase “go it alone” is often used when someone decides to do something by themselves, without help from others. Sharon sees a different spin on this phrase and, in this month’s Members Memo, discusses how it can also be an ode to the independence and resilience of our Local Navigation Networks.

In 2013, nurses made up the majority of AONN membership, but many patient navigators without clinical licensure were also joining. This realization, paired with several timely initiatives, spurred AONN to change its name to the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators, Inc.^® (AONN+) later that year.

LNNs have been consistently growing since their inception in 2013. In 2023, there are 35 national, international, and virtual LNN groups. Sharon’s latest Members’ Memo welcomes the 6 newly formed LNNs (5 new, 1 consolidation) and shares tips, tricks, and best practices for maximizing engagement as reported from existing LNN leaders.

No matter what stage of your career you’re in, you should always be on the lookout for professional development opportunities. Said opportunities won’t just fall into your lap—you have to pursue them. Think of exploring professional development opportunities like peeling an onion. When approaching professional development in this way, you are able to take the necessary time to slowly peel each layer back at a comfortable pace. The more layers you peel, the more involved you’ll be. Read on for a step-by-step approach.

Lindsey Coleman and Kathleen Serfass accepted Middle Tennessee’s award honoring the active role their local navigation network plays in advancing the role of patient, nurse, and/or social work navigation. In this article, we’re breaking down the tactics Middle Tennessee uses to facilitate communication and education among their navigation community so others can duplicate their efforts.

Recently, AONN+ scholarship recipient and conference attendee Meghan Lundvall, RN, BA, OCN, shared the ways in which her clinic has “changed dramatically since [attending] the 2021 AONN+ Annual Conference.” Her inspiring story is a testament to the worthwhile generosity of the AONN+ community.

Sharon Gentry’s latest contribution to the AONN+ member blog shares how your scholarship donations grant equal opportunities for the wider navigation community to learn, share, and move forward together.