Cancer Navigation Community of Practice
Community-based cancer navigation is a patient-centered model that builds trust, overcomes systemic hurdles, and empowers individuals to navigate complex health systems for better quality care and improved quality of life. Trusted individuals from one’s own community can help to remove barriers, connect people – especially people of color, those who are uninsured, and those in rural communities – to timely care, resources, and support from early detection through survivorship, improving access and outcomes by helping with appointments, financial assistance, and linking to services.
NCC's Nevada Cancer Navigation CoP seeks to increase the number of professionals in Nevada trained in oncology patient navigation, including assisting with connection to cancer screenings and supportive resources within their community/organization. Participation is intended to expand the reach and capacity of navigation in diverse communities.
What can participants expect?
Using the George Washington Cancer Center Oncology Patient Navigation Fundamentals training, participants will complete assigned modules prior to each Nevada-specific Community of Practice session/workshop, each of which designed to deepen the understanding of content. Participants will receive standardized navigation training suitable for new oncology navigators or for those wishing to deepen their navigation skills and understanding paired with Nevada-specific expertise, resources, and connections.
At completion, participants will:
- Earn a Certificate of Completion for the GW Oncology Patient Navigation Fundamentals Training, a standardized training necessary for centers seeking CMS Navigation Reimbursement.
- Have connection with a network of trained oncology patient navigators in Nevada.
- Have a deeper knowledge of Nevada-specific resources and systems.
- Become a part of the ThriveNV Oncology Navigation Network.
In turn, participants are expected to complete the GW Cancer Center Oncology Patient Navigation Fundamentals Training and attend all CoP sessions/workshops. The total time commitment is estimated at 20-25 hours across a three-month period.
Who should apply?
We invite new and experienced patient navigators, or those interested in learning more about the navigation role and how to implement it in your own setting, to participate in this CoP. Individuals working in either clinical or non-clinical settings can benefit from this series, where you'll learn the fundamentals of helping people and related resources, including assisting with access to cancer screenings in Nevada. You may be a Community Health Worker (CHW), nurse, medical assistant, or community advocate. The content is applicable for community-based organizations, nonprofits, faith-based groups and healthcare organizations.
CoP Timeline
- January 15, 2026: Deadline to apply. Space is limited to 20 participants for this first round of sessions.
- January 21, 2026: Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the CoP cohort.
- January 29, 2026, 1p.m.: 30-minute orientation session, required.
- February - April, Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m.: Workshop sessions, required.
- February 12 - Cancer in Nevada
- February 26 - Foundation of Patient Navigation in Nevada
- March 12 - Communication & Relationship Building
- March 26 - Barriers to Care & Strategies
- April 9 - Bringing It All Together
- April 23 - Wrap Up and The Road Ahead
Need more information? Contact Amy Thompson.