Nurses Week is triggering for me.

Over my almost 20 years in nursing, I don’t recall a single meaningful Nurses Week gift.

There was leftover pizza, $5 meal vouchers to the cafeteria, magnets and badge reels.

Branded pens and small packages of candy and chocolate.

I’ve heard the awful stories from nurses.

It’s rock painting! You bring the rocks, we bring the paint (what?)

You’re a lifesaver, so here’s a Lifesaver to show our appreciation (is this Halloween again 6 months later?)

Or maybe nothing at all.

We need year-round appreciation for nurses that is reflected culturally, politically, and within our healthcare systems.

This year, the best gift I got didn’t come from a healthcare organization, my family, or friends.

It was one free week of unlimited hot yoga at my local studio.

Not life-changing, but certainly meaningful.

I don’t have a magic solution for you.

But I think we need to stop waiting for appreciation that may never come and focus on doing things to appreciate ourselves.

Reply to this email:

What have you gotten for Nurses Week?

Let me know the good, bad, and ugly!

Non Bedside Job Spotlight

Patient Navigator

What is the job?

A Patient Navigator helps patients overcome barriers to care.

That can include:

• Coordinating appointments and referrals

• Helping patients understand diagnoses and treatment plans

• Connecting people with financial, transportation, or community resources

• Supporting follow-through with care

• Acting as a bridge between providers, systems, and the patient

Some navigators work in hospitals or cancer centres. Others work in community health, primary care, nonprofits, insurance companies, or patient support programs within pharma and biotech.

The goal is not just treatment.

It is helping patients successfully access and stay connected to care.

Why Nurses Are a Good Fit

Nurses are often ideal candidates because this work relies heavily on communication, coordination, advocacy, and clinical understanding.

1. Nurses already understand the healthcare system

You know how difficult it can be for patients to navigate referrals, waitlists, follow-ups, insurance issues, and fragmented care.

You have seen firsthand where people fall through the cracks.

2. Nurses know how to educate patients

Patient navigators spend a significant amount of time explaining next steps, clarifying information, and helping patients feel less overwhelmed.

This is already a core nursing skill.

3. Nurses are trained to advocate

A strong navigator does not just relay information.

They identify barriers and help solve problems.

That advocacy mindset comes naturally to many nurses.

4. Nurses can build trust quickly

Patients are often anxious, confused, or emotionally exhausted.

Nurses know how to communicate with empathy while still helping people move forward.

5. Nurses think holistically

Patient navigation is rarely about one appointment or one issue.

It requires understanding the bigger picture: medical, emotional, social, financial, and logistical.

Nurses are already trained to assess all of these factors together.

Typical Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) or other regulated healthcare professional

• Active nursing license

• 2–5+ years of clinical experience

Helpful backgrounds include:

• Oncology

• Community health

• Case management

• Discharge planning

• Chronic disease management

• Mental health

• Primary care

Common skills employers look for:

• Care coordination

• Communication

• Documentation

• Motivational interviewing

• Cultural sensitivity

• Resource navigation

Some organizations may also prefer bilingual candidates or experience working with underserved populations.

Remember, you don’t have to have 100% of the qualifications to get the job!