Guided with Compassion: How Oncology Nurse Navigation Made a Difference for a Kadance Member

Cancer care can feel overwhelming, labyrinth-like, and impersonal. That’s where Kadance Oncology Nurse Navigators (ONNs) step in. While many cancer centers offer navigation services, Kadance’s ONNs stand apart: their allegiance isn’t to the institution, but to our members. Our ONNs are the heart and soul of our program, dedicated exclusively to keeping members’ interests at the forefront.

What Is an ONN and Why Do They Matter?

An Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) is more than just a guide through cancer care. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) defines an ONN as a registered nurse with specialized oncology knowledge who provides individualized support to patients, families, and caregivers. Their role is to break down barriers in the healthcare system, ensure access to the right resources, and help people make informed decisions at every stage of care.

Many ONNs also hold the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN^®) credential, a specialty certification offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This certification validates advanced knowledge and experience in cancer care, ranging from treatment approaches and symptom management to the psychosocial aspects of living with cancer. To qualify, nurses must meet rigorous standards, including years of experience in oncology nursing and thousands of hours of hands-on clinical experience before passing a national exam. For patients, this means added confidence that their navigator has proven expertise in the complexities of cancer care and a commitment to personalized support.

Beyond this clinical expertise, ONNs are recognized by the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) as compassionate advocates who walk alongside patients from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship. By streamlining care, offering education, and providing emotional support, ONNs not only improve quality of life but also help patients feel less alone during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Kadance: A Navigation Model Like No Other

What makes Kadance special? Our ONNs are not hired by, and do not report to, a hospital or cancer center. They answer to our members. They complement care teams and act as personal advocates, translating complex information, facilitating communication with both Kadance experts and members’ oncology teams, and ensuring seamless navigation of services when needed.

From the moment of a cancer diagnosis, the ONN becomes a trusted partner. They help decode test results, explain options, arrange follow-up interactions, and ensure member concerns are heard and addressed.

A Member’s Voice: Real-World Impact

For R.W., a Kadance member now in survivorship, the support of his ONN made all the difference:

“What I remember is how she made me feel. She was just so open and honest and so empathetic from the very beginning. I just had so much more comfort with my diagnosis and treatment after talking with her, my ONN, for the first time.”

That trust extended throughout his journey:

“Having access to Kadance was just a real lifesaver. The oncology team was very clinical, but Kadance helped us to really understand my diagnosis and treatment options. It was that mix of competence and empathy that made all the difference.”

Kadance also helped him move forward with clarity:

“Even though my diagnosis and staging were not changed by any of the testing we did, it significantly improved my comfort. It allowed me to manage my side effects through knowledge and awareness, and that meant I was able to get the maximum benefit of my chemotherapy.”

Why Kadance ONNs Shine

• Member-first commitment: The ONN’s primary responsibility is to the member, not an institution.
• Clinical and emotional expertise: They bring oncology-specific knowledge and compassion when both are needed.
• Expert coordination: They facilitate communication between the care team and Kadance experts.
• Empowerment through education: The ONN helps members understand, decide, and feel confident about their journey.

In the complex journey of cancer care, Kadance ONNs are steadfast guides, always focused on ensuring members feel supported and informed. They embody the compassionate leadership the ACCC celebrates and the evidence-based outcomes the ONS supports.

As R.W. put it:

“I wasn’t treated like I was just another patient in the system. Kadance was about empathy, and it was that intersection of technical competence and empathy that really set Kadance apart.”

No one should face cancer alone. With Kadance, you never have to. You can hear more from R.W. on our YouTube channel here.

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