Improving Patient Care in the Diagnostic Imaging Department: The Role of the Nurse Navigator

A trip to the radiology department can be a journey through the frightening unknown for patients. Radiology nurses, strong patient advocates, are not often in a position to provide anticipatory guidance to allay fears and reduce stress. The nurse navigator’s (NN) mandate is to improve care and decrease stress and anxiety for diagnostic imaging patients. By coordinating care, the NN helps patients receive a timely diagnosis and efficient treatment. Using specialized radiology knowledge, the NN provides procedure-specific education tailored to individual patient needs. Patient care is improved as the NN develops strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Having an in-depth exposure to numerous radiology patients and procedures, the NN possesses a unique perspective on potential system pitfalls. This perspective allows the NN to advocate change on a much wider basis than the frontline radiology nurse may be able to.