Nurse navigator improves scheduling, workplace satisfaction: Dana-Farber

Adding a dedicated oncology nurse navigator to new patient triage processes improved scheduling accuracy and timeliness, and increased workplace satisfaction among new patient coordinators, according to research being presented by Dana-Farber nurses May 15 at the 2026 Oncology Nursing Society Congress.

The research, “Enhancing Non-Clinical Support: Integrating a Dedicated Nurse Navigator into New Patient Operations,” analyzed feedback on a six-month project in which an oncology nurse navigator reviewed 564 new patients with colorectal or anal cancer before consultation with a care team. 

Here are five things to know from the research:

1. Of all the patients reviewed by the oncology nurse navigator, 226 nursing interventions were initiated for 187 patients prior to consultation.
   
   
2. The majority of patients who were surveyed said they “strongly agreed” they had a positive scheduling experience with the oncology nurse navigator, the scheduling process was timely with clear communication, they felt prepared for their consultation, and they felt comfortable asking the navigator questions. 
   

3. The majority of new patient coordinators who were surveyed said they “strongly agreed” the addition of an oncology nurse navigator increased their job satisfaction and made them feel more supported when scheduling new patients. 
   

4. The majority of providers who were surveyed said they “agreed” the addition of an oncology nurse navigator was beneficial to their practice and “strongly agreed” the oncology nurse navigator led to patients being more appropriately scheduled in the correct timeframe.
   
   
5. After the project was completed, the oncology nurse navigator role was expanded to three additional disease types.

Read the full research poster here. 

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