Gastrointestinal Nurse Navigation: A Novel Role
Gastrointestinal Nurse Navigation: A Novel Role
Continued implementation and evaluation of the role of nurses as cancer navigators is critical to assessing cancer care quality in an ever-changing healthcare model. Nurses have the education, knowledge, and training to provide clinical collaboration and coordination as well as clinical education. Nurses are educated to be advocates for patients and to abide by the American Nursing Association code of ethics. In addition, nurses have an understanding and respect for quality research to help improve patient outcomes.
Providing clinical education to patients is a vital role for the GI NN. Multiple resources exist to assist GI NNs in providing education, including anatomic models and illustrations and booklets provided by the National Cancer Institute, the Pancreatic Action Network, and the American Cancer Society that highlight the diagnostic process, treatment options, side effects of treatment, and dietary needs post-treatment. However, a needs assessment of patients' knowledge should always be completed first to ensure that their educational needs are met throughout the cancer journey.
Implications for Nursing
Continued implementation and evaluation of the role of nurses as cancer navigators is critical to assessing cancer care quality in an ever-changing healthcare model. Nurses have the education, knowledge, and training to provide clinical collaboration and coordination as well as clinical education. Nurses are educated to be advocates for patients and to abide by the American Nursing Association code of ethics. In addition, nurses have an understanding and respect for quality research to help improve patient outcomes.
Providing clinical education to patients is a vital role for the GI NN. Multiple resources exist to assist GI NNs in providing education, including anatomic models and illustrations and booklets provided by the National Cancer Institute, the Pancreatic Action Network, and the American Cancer Society that highlight the diagnostic process, treatment options, side effects of treatment, and dietary needs post-treatment. However, a needs assessment of patients' knowledge should always be completed first to ensure that their educational needs are met throughout the cancer journey.
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