Shifting paradigms continued—the emergence and the role of nurse navigator

Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in men and women worldwide with a 52% 5 year survival rate when localized disease is discovered. A disheartening factor is that only 15% of lung cancer is detected at this early stage. Prompt treatment for the patient depends on diagnosis and staging. The thoracic/pulmonary oncology nurse navigator (ONN) plays a pivotal role in a rapid diagnostic and treatment pathway facilitating timely access to care and reducing barriers to treatment for the lung cancer patient. In this review, the author provides a perspective on the history, current role, and potential future role of the ONN.