Hello and welcome Spring 2013! This issue of JONS is particularly unique. You will have the opportunity to learn about a successful navigation model for patients with lung nodules which, frankly, can save a patient’s life through early detection. There is also a feature article that focuses our attention on a special patient population that we don’t like to necessarily think about; however, it certainly does exist – the survivorship care needs of adolescents and young adults. I personally have submitted an article to this issue that addresses the need for global breast cancer navigation programs with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries. I hope that this international focus on cancer and the valuable role navigation can play in promoting earlier detection and appropriate treatment will encourage patient navigators from around the world to join AONN. We certainly know that cancer is not a disease limited to the United States.
I had the privilege last month of traveling to Canada to meet with a group of oncology nurse navigators to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and foster a continued relationship so that we can more formally begin networking with others globally. Although our healthcare payment systems may be different, socioeconomic challenges diverse, and cultures unique, we have much in common: the importance of community outreach, patient advocacy, barrier assessment and resolution, psychosocial support, efficiency in delivering cancer care, and adherence to cancer treatment.
A new website design for AONN has been created and launched that I am very confident you will find incredibly valuable. There will be additional features to the site coming in the near future too. Our Leadership Council and AONN support staff are working hard to bring you more services and benefits too, which I personally am quite excited about!
Enjoy the spring as we warm up from winter and become re-energized to conduct our local community outreach events. I hope you will find inspiration in the additional resources that soon will be coming your way!
With kind regards,
Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS
Editor-in-Chief