Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation

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The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) is proud to present the Heart and Soul of Navigation podcast series! Once a month, we will release a new episode that features key opinion leaders in oncology navigation highlighting stories from

The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators


    • Apr 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 33 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation

    The Importance of Navigation Reimbursement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 40:18


    In this episode, Rani Khetarpal, MBA, and Jeanne Silva, MSN, RN-BC, CN-BN, CMSRN, discuss the importance of reimbursement in navigation and implementation of PIN codes.Thank you to our sponsor, Lilly, for providing funding for this podcast.

    A Look Into Cancer Advocacy & Patient Education (CAPE)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 15:23


    In this episode, Emily Gentry, BSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, OCN, and Chelsea Passwater DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, discuss the benefits and background of the Cancer Advocacy & Patient Education (CAPE) Portal.Thank you to our sponsor, Exelixis, for providing funding for this podcast. 

    A Look Into the CEACAM 5 Biomarker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 18:37


    To close out this 3-part series, Terri Conneran, founder of KRAS (Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship) Kickers, Jennifer Aversano, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, a lung nurse navigator at Northwest Community Hospital, and Claudia Miller, RN, ONC, ONN-CG, a thoracic oncology nurse navigator at Hollings Cancer Center, will explore the CEACAM 5 biomarker, clinical trial recruitment strategies deployed by navigators, and the role that shared decision-making has on patient outcomes throughout their treatment. Thank you to our sponsor, Sanofi, for making this biomarker podcast series possible. 

    Key Biomarker Considerations for Patients

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 21:27


    In this second episode, Terri Conneran, founder of KRAS (Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship) Kickers, Jennifer Aversano, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, a lung nurse navigator at Northwest Community Hospital, and Claudia Miller, RN, ONC, ONN-CG, a thoracic oncology nurse navigator at Hollings Cancer Center, discuss key considerations for patients in biomarkers from a navigator's perspective and dive deeper into novel biomarkers, including what questions patients should be asking.Thank you to our sponsor, Sanofi, for making this biomarker podcast series possible.

    Biomarkers and the Critical Role of Navigation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 22:12


    In this first episode, Terri Conneran, founder of KRAS (Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship) Kickers, Jennifer Aversano, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, a lung nurse navigator at Northwest Community Hospital, and Claudia Miller, RN, ONC, ONN-CG, a thoracic oncology nurse navigator at Hollings Cancer Center, examine the ever-evolving biomarker landscape and the critical role navigators play in ensuring timely testing, appropriate follow-up, and removal of barriers to care.Thank you to our sponsor, Sanofi, for making this podcast series possible.

    Navigating Survivorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 48:41


    In celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day, our participants will examine the survivorship phase of the cancer continuum including the role of the navigator in survivorship. Two myeloma survivors, Doug Keller and Maddie Hunter will discuss their survivorship journey including how they are giving back, the common struggles cancer survivors face after treatment, and the significance of surveillance in survivorship. Objectives:Explore what survivorship is and what it means to patients Describe common challenges cancer survivors face and how a navigator can address them Understand the importance of screening and surveillance in survivorship  Learn strategies in how best to support survivorship patients Faculty: Doug Keller Survivorship coach, myeloma survivor with Healthtree Foundation Doug is an 11-year multiple myeloma survivor. He went through two stem cell transplants and many other lines of therapy before having CAR-T and finally gaining remission in 2022. While living with myeloma he continued to work full time, travel, and stay physically active. Doug received a lot of support from others during his myeloma journey, and is paying this back by coaching new myeloma patients to help them understand the disease, how to talk to their doctors, and where to get support. He believes that access to information on the disease and having a positive attitude are key parts of successful survivorship.Maddie HunterSurvivorship coach, myeloma survivor with Healthtree Foundation  Maddie has been living with Myeloma since 2001. Her serial remissions have enabled her to raise her son into adulthood, fall in love, build and then retire from her consulting and leadership business, travel the world, welcome 3 grandchildren and lead the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group. Myeloma has not deterred her from having a full life. She believes it has opened her eyes to possibilities she would not have recognized had she not had this tough diagnosis. Maddie coaches individuals who are seeking to find ways to cope with a Myeloma diagnosis and finds deep pleasure in supporting patients to discover their new “normal”. Resources:HealthTreeOncolinkInternational Myeloma Foundation | IMF | Multiple Myeloma InformationASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans

    Diversity in Clinical Trials: Bridging the Gap PART TWO of TWO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 13:59


    Clinical Trial Committee members Mary Salazar and Lilliana Larsson discuss clinical trials in oncology, the importance of increasing diversity representation,  and the impact it has on the future of oncology medicine.Objectives:Examine the lack of diversity in clinical trials and the effect is has on oncology careUnderstand the role of the clinical trial navigator and the impact navigation has on increasing diversity in the clinical trial spaceExplore navigation strategies to improve health equity in clinical trials Identify reputable clinical trial resources for navigators to utilize in practiceFaculty:Mary Salazar DNP, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, Director of Oncology Patient ExperienceAdult Nurse Practitioner, Medical Oncology with UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center , SalazarM5@uthscsa.eduLiliana Larsson MSN, RN, OCN, CCRP, TTS Oncology Nurse Navigator with MD Anderson, Houston, TX,  lklarsson@MDAnderson.orgResource: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/Committee Link: https://aonnonline.org/committees/clinical-trials-committee

    Diversity in Clinical Trials: Bridging the Gap PART ONE of TWO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 34:14


    Clinical Trial Committee members Mary Salazar and Lilliana Larsson discuss clinical trials in oncology, the importance of increasing diversity representation,  and the impact it has on the future of oncology medicine.Objectives:Examine the lack of diversity in clinical trials and the effect is has on oncology careUnderstand the role of the clinical trial navigator and the impact navigation has on increasing diversity in the clinical trial spaceExplore navigation strategies to improve health equity in clinical trials Identify reputable clinical trial resources for navigators to utilize in practiceFaculty:Mary Salazar DNP, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, Director of Oncology Patient ExperienceAdult Nurse Practitioner, Medical Oncology with UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center , SalazarM5@uthscsa.eduLiliana Larsson MSN, RN, OCN, CCRP, TTS Oncology Nurse Navigator with MD Anderson, Houston, TX,  lklarsson@MDAnderson.orgResource: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/Committee Link: https://aonnonline.org/committees/clinical-trials-committee

    Be Bold: Mentorship Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 23:32


    BOLD Mentorship participants, Peg Rummel and Amie Booth share their experience, insights, and lessons learned from their time in the AONN+ Bold Mentorship Academy as well as dive into some AONN+ professional development opportunities in 2023.  Objectives: The listener will be able toIdentify the role of mentorship in navigation profession and benefits of mentorshipUnderstand the reciprocal relationship between mentor/menteeExplore professional growth best practices gained from mentorshipFaculty: Peg Rummel (Mentor), Amie Booth (Mentee)

    Celebrating the Role of the Navigator

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 34:43


    Considering the year end is approaching, AONN + hopes to demonstrate our appreciation for navigators with an emphasis on celebrating the role of the navigator. We hope to encourage and inspire you as you listen to your navigation colleagues share their personal and professional experiences.Objectives:Listeners will:Reflect on why they became a navigatorLearn how patient experiences have molded themIdentify ways navigators may care for themselves while working within the field of oncology

    Role of the Oncology Navigator within the Multidisciplinary Healthcare Setting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 24:49


    In this session participants, will explore the value of the role of the oncology navigator within the multidisciplinary healthcare setting. Gleaning knowledge from experienced navigators flourishing in their multidisciplinary healthcare settings, listeners will explore best practices and communication tools essential for enhancing their navigation role amongst the oncology healthcare team.

    Navigating Disparate Population: a Focus on the Indigenous Population

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 27:34


    In this episode, Linda Burhansstipanov, MSPH, DrPH, OPN-CGSM, president of Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc. (NACI), shares her insights on navigating disparate populations, with a focus on the indigenous communities in the United States.

    Leadership for Navigation: Sustainability on How Leadership Promotes Values of Navigation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 19:04


    In this episode, Marsha Clements, RN, MSN/Ed, PhD, OCN, executive director of an oncology service line in New Hampshire, and Andrea (Andi) Dwyer, director of the Colorado Cancer Screening Program (CCSP) at University of Colorado Cancer Center, share insights on developing sustainable oncology navigation programs that provide values to healthcare administrators, patients, and providers.

    Perspectives on Certification: Physician, Nurse, and Patient Navigator AONN+

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 24:37


    In this episode, Perspectives on Certification: Physician, Nurse, and Patient Navigator AONN+ Foundation for Learning Director of Certification Lisa Hartman and a group of experts discuss the value of oncology navigator certification from the perspectives of physicians, patient navigators, nurse navigators, and healthcare administrators. 

    Loving Yourself: Lessons in Caregiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2022 37:33


    In this episode, AONN+ leaders Emily Gentry and Monica Dean have a hearty discussion on self-love and share some “lessons learned” for oncology navigators to manage stress and anxiety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, from loving yourself, movement, mindfulness, meditation and breathwork, and adequate sleep, to healthy diet and hydration.

    The Heart of a Researcher

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 31:34


    Research can be done at many levels and take different forms, but it can be challenging to know where to begin and how to find collaborators and funders. In this podcast, Lisa Hartman, Director of Certification, AONN+ Foundation for Learning, Inc., leads a discussion with 2 seasoned researchers who share practical advice and suggest strategies for success for navigators who wish to embark on their own projects. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Emotional Responses to Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 27:40


    In this episode, Monica Dean, AONN+ Director of Patient Navigation Programs, is joined by Cancer Support Community's Susan Ash-Lee, MSW, LCSW, Vice President, Clinical Services and Education, and Kelly Hendershot, LGSW, LMSW, LSW, Senior Director, Institute for Excellence in Psychosocial Care, to discuss the emotional responses experienced by patients and caregivers during cancer treatment and beyond.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Leadership - Communication, Creativity and Cultivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 21:16


    In this episode, Kendra Barber, MHA, BSN, RN, OCN, and Mary Buffington, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, discuss leadership, teamwork, and collaboration among oncology multidisciplinary care teams. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Young Women with Breast Cancer: Needs and Opportunities

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 36:35


    In this episode, Emily Gentry, BSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, OCN is joined by Janine E. Guglielmino, MA, Vice President, Mission Delivery, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and Jasmine Souers, Co-Founder, Chief Visionary Officer, For the Breast of Us to discuss Living Beyond Breast Cancer's recently conducted needs assessment of young women with breast cancer. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Geriatric Oncology

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 40:05


    In this episode, AONN+ FFL Director of Certification Lisa Hartman is joined by Sarah H. Kagan, PhD, RN, AOCN, APRN-BC, FAAN, FGSA, and Lora Rhodes, MSW, LSW to highlight the challenges of older patient populations in oncology and ageism in the healthcare system.This special Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation podcast episode is sponsored by Genentech.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    COVID-Driven Innovation: Virtual Tumor Boards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 21:00


    In this episode, Cindy Barnard, RN, BSN, OCN, CBCN, and Zilipah Cruz, MSN-RN, discuss the challenges faced by tumor boards during the pandemic, and forecast the future of case conferences and virtual tumor boards.This special Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation podcast episode is sponsored by Genentech. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Heroes of Hope Interviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 27:08


    Monica Dean, Director of Patient Navigation Program Development at AONN+, speaks with Sharon Frances, breast cancer survivor and Co-Founder of Well Beings Studio, and Melinda Bachini, who was diagnosed with stage IV cholangiocarcinoma and now serves as the Director of Advocacy at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. Sharon and Melinda are both previous nominees of the CONQUER: the patient voice Hero of Hope™ Patient Award. This special Heart and Soul of Oncology Navigation podcast episode is sponsored by Genentech.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Patient Education and Patient Empowerment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 21:21


    In this episode, Ayesha Azam, Vice President of Medical Affairs at the PAN Foundation, and Joanna Morales, Chief Executive Officer of Triage Cancer explore how their organizations provide training, education materials, and more to patients, caregivers, and oncology care professionals to help address barriers in cancer care.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Professional Development: Mentorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 13:01


    Natalie Fellers and Patricia Johnson, BS, RN, OCN, CBCN, are co-chairs of the AONN+ Professional Development Committee. In this episode of the Heart and Soul of Navigation podcast, Natalie and Patti discuss the mission of the committee to provide mentorship support in areas of quality, process improvement, metrics, and reporting, and the importance of mentorship in the field of oncology navigation.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Young Adults with Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 23:07


    Devon Ciampa, LMSW, and Megan Solinger, MHS, MA, OPN-CG, discuss coordination of care for adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with cancer and the specific barriers this population faces, including mortality awareness, learning independence, and how to navigate their cancer journey in this transitional age range.

    The Role of the Patient Navigator: Responding to Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 18:22


    In this episode, Monica Dean, HON-OPN-CG, Director of Patient Navigation Program Development at AONN+, and Zarek Mena, OPN-CG, Women's Health Program Manager at Smilow Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital, discuss the role an oncology patient navigator plays in assisting their patients with cancer who may be facing health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as food insecurity and transportation barriers.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    How to Implement a Successful LNN

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 32:32


    Kristina Rua, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, and Sue Ellen Glover, MSN, RN, OCN, CBCN, ONN-CG, tap into the Professional Roles and Responsibilities domain in How to Implement a Successful LNN: Interview with Local Leaders. Hear from these key opinion leaders as they explain building programs and creating goals and objectives that ensure success. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    AONN+ Strategic Initiatives – Members Organization – “Your Voice Matters”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 21:20


    In this episode, Rani Khetarpal, MBA, and Christian Downs, JD, MHA, tap into Operational/Organizational Development and Health Economics in AONN+ Strategic Initiatives – Members Organization – “Your Voice Matters.” Hear from these key opinion leaders as they discuss value-based care and the power of the navigator's voice.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    How to Best Use Advocacy Organizations

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 16:19


    AONN+ Policy and Advocacy leaders Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW, and Clara Lambert, BBA, OPN-CG, tap into the Patient Advocacy/Patient Empowerment knowledge domain in How to Best Use Advocacy Organizations. Hear the conversation between key opinion leaders in this area as they explore the social issues and challenges navigators should overcome to enrich patient care.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Professional Development and the Role of Certification

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 15:08


    Monica Dean, HON-OPN-CG;, Emily Gentry, BSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, OCN;, Margaret Rummel RN, MHA, OCN, NE-BC, HON-ONN-CG;, and Zarek Mena, OPN-CG, tap into the Professional Development and the Role of Certification knowledge domain in Professional Roles and Responsibilities. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    Challenges with Disparate Populations

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 20:49


    Tap into the Community Outreach and Prevention knowledge domain in Challenges with Disparate Populations. Hear the conversation between key opinion leaders in this area as they explore the social issues and challenges navigators should overcome to enrich patient care.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    The Role of the Navigator as the Genetic Extender

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 10:07


    AONN+ Genetics & Genomics Committee Co-Chairs Jennifer Klemp and Frank dela Rama discuss the domain of care coordination as it relates to the navigator pledge and put a focus on the barriers preventing patients and their care team from receiving the proper information/education about genetics testing. Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

    How to Implement a Successful Virtual Environment for Support Programs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 18:09


    AONN+ leaders Pamela Goetz, BA, OPN-CG, and Jennifer Bires, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C, tap into the Psychosocial Support Services and Assessment knowledge domain in How to Implement a Successful Virtual Environment for Support Programs.Read more about this episode on AONNonline.org.

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