Cancer Navigators Staff Earns Professional Certification
Scharla Battle, Community Outreach Manager with Cancer Navigators, and Angela James, Cancer Navigators Service Navigator Manager, have been certified as Oncology Patient Navigators – Certified Generalist (OPN-CG). The certification is awarded by the Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN+), and is the only one of its kind for nonclinical navigation professionals.
“The AONN+ certification process has provided a national standard that we look to as we guide our patients and their loved ones through the cancer journey,” said Virginia Harman, Board Chairman for Cancer Navigators. “To have the only two officially certified patient navigators in the southeast speaks volumes about the success of those efforts.”
Scharla said the opportunity to adopt tools that will help her provide even better care fueled the desire to pursue certification.
“This was a great opportunity to grow as a caregiver and to expand my knowledge,” she said. “The AONN+ does an excellent job of reminding us that we have a greater purpose, and inspires us to be the best we can be for those who trust us with their care.”
Angela talked about the honor of being the first in the region to receive certification.
“It was a privilege to be the first in the state of Georgia to be officially recognized by the AONN+ as oncology patient navigators,” she said. “This certification provides a foundation upon which we can continue to grow the service we provide for our patients.”
Lillie Shockney, co-founder and Program Director of AONN+, was on hand to present the honor.
“Through their success, these navigators have demonstrated that they possess the knowledge and understanding that is necessary to excel,” she said. “Their patients and families will continue to benefit from their expertise. “
The Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) is the largest national specialty organization dedicated to improving patient care and quality of life by defining, enhancing, and promoting the role of oncology nurse and patient navigators.